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.
The forfeiture 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: a semi-automatic rifle and Glock pistol he carried during the attack, as well as another pistol and shotgun found in his strategically placed getaway vehicle—a 2021 Nissan Rogue—along with additional magazines and ammunition. The U.S. Attorney’s Office sought forfeiture of all these assets used by Fussner in connection with the crime. Attempts by Fussner’s father and brother to claim ownership of these items were unsuccessful.
Federal law allows for the forfeiture of assets used to facilitate crimes such as drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, or terrorism. Proceeds from selling these assets can be directed toward restitution for victims of crime.
The case highlights how asset forfeiture can play a role in supporting victims following acts of violence.
