One dead in July 4th shooting at Yellowstone National Park right outside popular hotel

A suspected gunman was killed in a horror shootout at Yellowstone National Park as families prepared to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday at the landmark. 

A Yellowstone National Park ranger was also shot in the episode but is in stable condition, and officials said there is no further threat to the public. 

The shooting took place in the park's Canyon Village, which remains locked down as the FBI leads an investigation into the incident. 

It came as rangers responded to reports of a person making threats with a firearm, which began hours before on Wednesday night.  

Yellowstone Park Rangers shot and killed a suspected gunman early on July 4th in the park's Canyon Village 

Rangers reportedly responded to the suspect hours before after they were making threats with a firearm 

Rangers began to contact the person, who has not been named, which quickly turned into an exchange of gunfire, reports Cowboy State Daily. 

Officials confirmed that the gunman was killed in the shootout, but declined to release their identity 'at this time.' 

The ranger who was shot in the episode was raced to a nearby hospital, where they are reported as being in stable condition. 

Park Superintendent Cam Sholly said in a reported email to staff that 'numerous' other rangers were also involved in the shootout, but no others were harmed. 

Sholly added in the email: 'This team did an amazing job today as you'll learn when more details come out.' 

Witnesses took to social media as the chaos began, saying they were told to hide in their hotel rooms during the active shooter situation. 

The central area of the park has been placed on lockdown as the FBI carries out an investigation  

Although the motivations behind the incident remain unclear, it comes as the FBI issued a chilling warning over possible 'attacks' on the July Fourth holiday. 

Security agencies said solo attackers and small extremist groups pose the biggest threat, cautioning that large crowds such as at fireworks shows and parades are often seen as 'attractive targets.' 

The federal warning, which was also issued by the National Counterterrorism Center, urged police departments across the nation to be vigilant amid the celebrations, particularly as they are stretched thin for the holiday celebrations.