A suspected gunman was killed in a horrific shooting in Yellowstone National Park as families prepared to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday at the monument.
A Yellowstone National Park ranger was also shot during the incident, but is in stable condition. Authorities say there is no further danger to the public.
The shooting occurred in the park’s Canyon Village, which remains on lockdown as the FBI conducts an investigation into the incident.
The attack took place after park rangers responded to reports of someone making threats with a firearm several hours earlier on Wednesday evening.
Yellowstone Park rangers shot and killed a suspected gunman early in the morning of July 4 in the park’s Canyon Village
According to reports, park rangers responded to the suspect hours earlier after he threatened him with a firearm
Rangers began contacting the person, whose name has not been released, which quickly turned into a gun battle, the report said. Cowboy State Daily.
Officials confirmed the gunman was killed in the shooting but declined to release his identity “at this time.”
The ranger who was shot in the episode was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is said to be in stable condition.
Park ranger Cam Sholly said in an email to staff that “numerous” other park rangers were involved in the shooting, but no one was injured.
Sholly added in the email: “This team did a fantastic job today. You’ll see that as more details emerge.”
Witnesses reported on social media that when the chaos began, they were forced to stay in their hotel rooms because of the active shooter.
The central portion of the park is closed while the FBI conducts an investigation
While the motives behind the incident are still unclear, it comes after the FBI issued a chilling warning about possible “attacks” on July 4.
Security services say individual attackers and small extremist groups pose the greatest threat, warning that large crowds, such as at fireworks displays and parades, are often seen as “attractive targets.”
The federal alert, which was also issued by the National Counterterrorism Center, urged police departments across the country to be vigilant during the festivities, especially as they are currently very busy with the holidays.