Attempted Mass Shooter’s Assets Ordered Sold to Pay Restitution to Crime Victims

On March 9, the United States Attorney's Office completed forfeiture of four firearms, an assortment of magazines and ammunition, and a vehicle tied to an attempted domestic terrorist plot in Yellowstone National Park in 2024.

On July 3, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner held a woman at gunpoint for two hours at Canyon Village in Yellowstone, Wyoming. In a hate-filled diatribe, Fussner confessed to the victim his plan to carry out a mass shooting in the park on the Fourth of July. Sometime around midnight, Fussner left the victim and went into hiding. National Park Service law enforcement rangers attempted to locate Fussner while setting up a perimeter around his intended targets. At around 8:05 a.m., Fussner emerged from the forest and, when confronted by law enforcement, began firing a semi-automatic rifle at them. After a shootout with law enforcement rangers, Fussner was pronounced dead. As a result of Fussner's attack, one law enforcement ranger suffered severe injuries to his foot.

In addition to the semi-automatic rifle, Fussner was carrying a Glock pistol and numerous magazines of ammunition. In preparation for the attack, Fussner had strategically positioned his 2021 Nissan Rogue as a getaway vehicle, where he also kept another pistol, shotgun, and an assortment of magazines and ammunition. In response to this violent attack, the U.S. Attorney's Office sought forfeiture of the Nissan and all firearms, magazines, and ammunition used by Fussner. Both Fussner's father and brother attempted to claim the assets, including the attempted murder weapon, but were unsuccessful.

Federal law provides for forfeiture of assets derived from or used to facilitate certain crimes including drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, or terrorism. Forfeited assets are sold so that the proceeds can be used for a variety of purposes, including restitution to crime victims.