Border Patrol agent fatally shot during traffic stop in Vermont
A Border Patrol agent assigned to the agency's Swanton Sector, which monitors the Vermont-New Hampshire-New York border, was fatally shot in the line of duty, a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson told ABC News in a statement.
The shooting occurred Monday around 3:15 p.m. during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont, authorities said.
The FBI is investigating the shooting, according to the Vermont State Police.
The FBI said in a statement Monday evening that one subject was killed in addition to the border agent.
In addition, another person was injured and in custody, CBP said.
In a statement Tuesday, House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green identified the deceased agent as David Maland.
"We owe an immense debt of gratitude to Agent Maland for nearly a decade of service protecting our communities in the force," Green said in a statement. "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.”
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman released a statement following the shooting, 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,"
The section of the highway where the incident occurred was temporarily closed after the shooting, police said.
