The United States Attorney’s Office announced on Mar. 12 that it has completed the forfeiture of four firearms, magazines, ammunition, and a vehicle connected to an attempted domestic terrorist plot in Yellowstone National Park in 2024.
This action follows a violent incident on July 3, 2024, when Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner held a woman at gunpoint for two hours at Canyon Village in Yellowstone, Wyoming. During this time, Fussner revealed his plan to carry out a mass shooting in the park on the Fourth of July. After leaving the victim and hiding overnight, Fussner was confronted by law enforcement rangers the next morning. He fired a semi-automatic rifle at them before being killed in a shootout. One ranger suffered severe injuries to his foot during the exchange.
Authorities recovered several weapons from Fussner, including a semi-automatic rifle and Glock pistol he carried during the attack. His 2021 Nissan Rogue was found nearby with another pistol, shotgun, and additional magazines and ammunition inside. The U.S. Attorney’s Office sought forfeiture of these items as they were used or intended for use in the crime.
Fussner’s father and brother tried to claim ownership of some of these assets but were unsuccessful. Federal law allows for assets involved in crimes such as terrorism to be seized and sold so that proceeds can be directed toward restitution for victims.
The sale of these forfeited assets is intended to provide financial support to those affected by the attempted attack.
