A U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed Tuesday night at the Arizona-Mexico border and at least four people were in custody, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement issued Wednesday.
“Last night, Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry was shot and killed after he encountered several suspects near Rio Rico, Ariz.,” the agency said. “At least four suspects are in custody while one is still being pursued. Agent Terry’s murder is a tragic reminder of the ever-present dangers U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, Air & Marine and Border Patrol agents face as they protect our nation’s borders.”
The Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Alan Bersin said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Terry family for their tragic loss. Our commitment to Agent Terry and his family is that we will do everything possible to bring to justice those responsible for this despicable act.”
The Arizona Republic reported that Terry, 40, a Michigan native, was killed at about 11 p.m. near Peck Canyon, about 10 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border west of Rio Rico on the Interstate 19. He was a member of BORTAC, the border patrol’s special response team, assigned to the Naco station, the paper reported.
“We believe he was killed by illegal alien ‘bandits’ north of Nogales during a shootout,” said The National Border Patrol Council, a union representing agents, the paper reported.
Meanwhile, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano issued a statement on Wednesday:
“The fatal shooting of Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry last night is an unconscionable act of violence against the men and women of the Border Patrol and all those who serve and defend our country.”
“We are working with other federal, state and local authorities to ensure those responsible for this horrendous act are held responsible. We will leave no stone unturned as we seek justice for the perpetrators.”
