By Steve Neavling
A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot near the Canadian border in Vermont on Monday afternoon, federal officials said.
The agent was identified as David Maland, 44, according to a post shared by the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association on X, USA Today reports.
Assigned to the Swanton Sector of CBP, Maland worked in an area that includes sections of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed.
“Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure,” Benjamine Huffman, acting secretary of DHS, said in a statement. “My prayers and deepest condolences are with our department, the agent’s family, loved ones, and colleagues.”
The FBI said that another person also died in the shooting, and a third individual was injured.
On Tuesday, a Border Patrol spokesperson said further details would be shared “as soon as it becomes available.”
Vermont State Police reported that the incident occurred at approximately 3:15 p.m. Monday on Interstate 91 in Coventry, a town about 13 miles south of the border. Traffic on a section of the highway was halted in both directions following the shooting.
In its statement, Vermont State Police deferred all additional inquiries to the FBI, which is leading the investigation. The FBI also noted that the public was not in danger.
While authorities confirmed the agent’s identity, they have yet to announce charges against the third person involved, who is now in custody.
Huffman emphasized in his statement that authorities are working diligently to investigate the tragedy.
“The deaths are being investigated swiftly,” he said.
