A U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot during a traffic stop near the Canadian border in Vermont on Monday was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force who served on security duty at the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks, his family said.
The Context
David "Chris" Maland, 44, is the first Border Patrol agent killed in the line of duty since 2014, when Javier Vega Jr. was fatally shot in Texas.
What To Know
Maland made a traffic stop at approximately 3:15 p.m. Monday near mile marker 168 on Interstate 91, southbound, in Coventry, Vermont, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed.
According to the FBI, which is leading the investigation, there was an exchange of gunfire in which Maland was struck. He later died from his injuries. A German national, who was in the country on a valid visa, also died in the incident and a second suspect was injured and taken into custody.
The shooting occurred in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom region, a sparsely populated area near the Canadian border.
Law enforcement officials said the incident led to a temporary closure of part of the highway, disrupting travel through the small community of Orleans County. Local and federal agencies, including Vermont State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting with the investigation.
Maland, who was stationed at the U.S. Border Patrol's Newport Station, previously served on the southern border and as a K-9 handler during his 15-year federal career.
The last Border Patrol agent, Vega Jr., to have been killed in the line of duty was initially considered to have been off-duty. In 2016, it was determined that he had used his law enforcement training to put himself in harm's way to stop a criminal act, the CBP said.
What People Are Saying
Maland's family said in a statement: "He was a devoted agent who served with honor and bravery. He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did; he truly embodied service over self."
Joan Maland, the agent's aunt, said: "He was an exceptional person and an incredible man." She added that Maland had been preparing to propose to his partner.
Vermont Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch and Representative Becca Balint sent condolences to the agent's family in a joint statement and said Border Patrol agents "deserve our full support in terms of staffing, pay and working conditions."
CBP said in a statement: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection's thoughts and prayers are with Agent Maland's family during this difficult time."
What Happens Next
The investigation into the shooting remains "extremely active," according to the FBI's Albany field office. Officials have deployed digital forensics teams, evidence response units and victim services to assist in the case.
This story remains developing as federal authorities continue their inquiry.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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