COVENTRY, Vt. (Gray News) – A U.S. Border Patrol agent who was fatally shot during a traffic stop near the Canadian border has been identified.
The shooting happened around 3:15 p.m. on Monday, on Interstate 91 in Vermont, about 20 miles from the Canadian border.
In a statement from House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green (R-TN), the agent was identified as David Maland.
Maland was assigned to the Swanton Sector that includes Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of Agent David Maland, a dedicated Border Patrol agent who was horrifically shot in the line of duty while serving at our northern border,” Chairman Green said. “We owe an immense debt of gratitude to Agent Maland for nearly a decade of service protecting our communities in the force. We must never forget that the men and women in green on the frontlines of this border crisis defend our homeland at great personal cost. Far too often these courageous public servants, like Agent Maland, pay the ultimate price. Please join me in prayer for Agent Maland’s loved ones and fellow agents as they mourn this tragic loss and honor his memory.”
Essex County State’s Attorney Vince Illuzzi told WCAX he was on the interstate Monday around the time of the traffic stop and saw the agent approaching a small, blue car that was pulled over. Illuzzi said the agent was speaking with someone standing in front of his truck, behind the car.
Sources also told WCAX that the agent was fatally shot in the neck and died. One suspect was also killed and another was wounded.
There was no immediate information on what prompted the shooting. The suspects were also not immediately identified.
As of Tuesday, the FBI will continue to investigate the shooting. Officials say there is no threat to the public.
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman issued a statement on the death of the Swanton Sector agent, saying, “Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure. My prayers and deepest condolences are with our Department, the Agent’s family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
In a joint statement, Vermont’s Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch and Rep. Becca Balint also sent condolences to the agent’s family and said Border Patrol agents “deserve our full support in terms of staffing, pay and working conditions.”
A portion of Interstate 91 was closed in both directions after the shooting. The northbound lanes reopened just after 5 p.m. on Monday The southbound lanes reopened shortly before noon on Tuesday.
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