A German national suspect on a legal visa is alleged to have fatally shot a United States Border Agent during a traffic stop near the Northern border in Vermont. The incident occurred on Monday, Jan. 20, when 44-year-old U.S. Border Patrol Agent David 'Chris' Maland was struck by gunfire on Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans, Vermont.
According to the FBI Albany spokesperson, the deceased subject was identified as a German national holding a valid visa to the United States. Agent Maland, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was mourned by his colleagues, with the FBI expressing their condolences and support for the grieving partners.
Authorities confirmed that there were two suspects in the vehicle involved in the incident. One suspect was found deceased at the scene, while the other was injured and is currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. The FBI field office, in collaboration with federal, state, and local officials, is actively investigating the matter.
FBI Albany has deployed various resources, including the Evidence Response Team, Victim Services, Digital Forensics, and Special Agents, to aid in the investigation. Law enforcement personnel were observed using a robotic device to inspect a backpack near the scene where the incident took place.
The Border Patrol Union extended their sympathies to the family, friends, and coworkers of the fallen Border Patrol Agent in Vermont. Elected officials, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch, and Rep. Becca Balint, also offered their condolences and emphasized the importance of supporting Border Patrol agents in their critical role of safeguarding the nation's borders.
The tragic shooting occurred shortly after President Donald Trump's second-term inauguration, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining border security. The incident underscores the need for continued efforts to provide resources and support to law enforcement agencies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
