By Steve Neavling
A man armed with an assault rifle opened fire outside a U.S. Border Patrol facility near the U.S.-Mexico border early Monday, injuring a police officer before being shot and killed by authorities.
McAllen police identified the gunman as Ryan Louis Mosqueda, 27, who they say ambushed federal agents as they exited the building, the Associated Press reports. Mosqueda was wearing a utility vest and had additional weapons and ammunition in his car, according to Police Chief Victor Rodriguez.
One officer, a 10-year department veteran, was injured during the exchange. Rodriguez said the officer was struck in the knee, though it was unclear if the injury was caused by a bullet or shrapnel.
Authorities said Mosqueda arrived at the facility around 5:50 a.m. in a white two-door sedan marked with what appeared to be Latin lettering on the driver’s side door. His motive remains unknown.
Hours before the shooting, Mosqueda’s father told police in Weslaco, about 20 miles away, that his son was experiencing a mental health crisis and had weapons in his car. Mosqueda was later reported missing from a Weslaco address shortly before the attack.
Inside Mosqueda’s car, police recovered more ammunition and backpacks. Rodriguez said it’s unclear if anyone else was involved, and the FBI is leading the investigation.
Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
