Yellowstone National Park officials report that one person was killed and a park ranger was injured in a shooting Thursday morning in Canyon Village, Wyoming.
A news release reveals that the incident began overnight and ended Thursday morning. Rangers responded to a report of a person with a firearm who was making threats at Canyon Village, which is south of Tower Falls in the central part of the park.
Canyon Village is a hub of activity and a gathering point for the many tourists who visit the Park. Over the 4th of July, the area typically buzzes with excitement as tourists gather to celebrate Independence Day amidst the park’s majestic scenery.
Upon being informed of the threat, rangers arrived at the scene, made contact with the person and exchanged gunfire. The person died. No identity was released.
A Yellowstone law enforcement park ranger was injured. The ranger, whose name has not been released, was stable at a hospital.
The FBI is leading the investigation with help from National Park Service special agents. An area around the Canyon Lodge complex remained closed as part of the investigation.
Park officials said there are no active threats to the public, and no additional information was available.
Todd Heskett said he was staying at the Canyon Village hotel with his wife and two of their children, ages 14 and 22, when he heard gunshots coming from the Canyon Lodge eatery around 8 a.m.
He said he called 911 and the front desk and was told there was an active shooter situation and to stay in his room.
The eatery at the Canyon Lodge, the visitor center and the general store were shut down, Heskett said.
About an hour later, Heskett added, he received an emergency alert on his phone informing him that the situation had been handled and it was safe to leave.
The FBI along with National Park Service special agents are investigating.
