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Two Forest Service Workers Held Hostage Overnight; Suspects Surrender After Standoff Near Mount Shasta
Two U.S. Forest Service employees were zip-tied and held at gunpoint in a trailer near Gumboot Lake on July 16. They were released unharmed after an overnight standoff, and two suspects face federal kidnapping charges.
Jul 17, 11:30 PM·1m read12 sources
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Two U.S. Forest Service employees were zip-tied and held at gunpoint inside a trailer near Gumboot Lake in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest on July 16, 2026. Authorities received a report of the gunman shortly before 11 a.m.
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At the remote Gumboot Campground near Mount Shasta. The suspect, later identified as 49-year-old Joseph Charles Henrichsen, told responders he had firearms and wanted to speak directly with the FBI. Negotiations began around 4:20 p.m.
After law enforcement from multiple agencies converged on the site. Deputies, FBI agents, SWAT teams, negotiators and drone operators took part in the response. Both hostages were released without serious physical injuries around 1:50 a.m.
On July 17, and the two suspects surrendered roughly 40 minutes later. The suspects, identified as Joseph Charles Henrichsen and his adult son Phoenix, were arrested and face federal kidnapping charges. Motive remains under investigation.
““It’s been a very emotional past couple days… I share that with many people.””
“— Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue FBI Director Kash Patel said crisis negotiators, SWAT teams and a Hostage Rescue Team were deployed. He added that “the hostages were safely released ... and subjects Joseph Henrichsen and Phoenix Henrichsen surrendered and were immediately taken into custody.” U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz said he was “grateful beyond words that both of our Forest Service employees ... are home safe” and called the outcome “a testament to the skill and resolve of every first responder who answered the call.” The investigation continues, and authorities have asked anyone with additional information to come forward.”
