One Person Dead After Fourth Of July Shootout In Yellowstone

UPDATE: Shooter Identified As 28-Year-Old Contract Worker

One person was killed in a shootout with a Yellowstone National Park ranger Thursday morning, after an exchange of gunfire with a shooter in the Canyon Village, central region of the park, authorities say.

The ranger is injured but in stable condition and receiving treatment.

There are no active threats to the public, according to a Thursday statement by Yellowstone National Park Public Affairs Office.

The ranger is in stable condition and is being treated at a  nearby regional hospital, while the area around the Canyon Lodge remained closed during the investigation, which the FBI is leading with support from National Park Service special agents.

Rangers responded to reports of a person with a firearm making threats, in an incident that started overnight Wednesday, the statement says.

When rangers contacted the person an exchange of gunfire between the person and rangers followed.

The shooter is deceased, the statements says, adding, “We are not releasing the individual’s identity at this time.”

An earlier email from Park Superintendent Cam Sholly to park employees – which Cowboy State Daily has confirmed as legitimate, says “numerous” other park rangers were involved but not physically injured, but park leadership will provide support to them as well.

"This team did an amazing job today as you'll learn when more details come out," Sholly told park employees in the email.

Multiple social media users who said they either work at the park or are in touch with people who do work in the park, said park employees were placed on a lockdown during the incident.

This story will be updated as more details emerge. 

Clair McFarland can be reached at: Clair@CowboyStateDaily.com

Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.