A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot Monday afternoon in northern Vermont on Interstate 91, just 20 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. Authorities are investigating the tragedy as a targeted attack on a federal officer.
In a statement, the FBI’s Albany office confirmed two fatalities in the incident: Border Patrol Agent David C. Maland and one of two suspects involved. The second suspect was injured and is now in custody.
Officials revealed that the deceased suspect is a German national in the U.S. on a valid visa, as confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security. However, the FBI has not yet released the names of either suspect.
Fox News reports on the life of David Maland, who is being remembered today as a devoted agent who served his country courageously:
“He was a devoted agent who served with honor and bravery,” David “Chris” Maland’s family said in a statement to The Associated Press late Tuesday. “He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did; he truly embodied service over self.”
Maland, 44, was struck by gunfire during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans, Vermont. An FBI Albany spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital on Tuesday that the suspect who was killed is “a German national in the U.S. on a current Visa.”
Update: 🚨 The Border Patrol agent who tragically lost his life in Vermont was 44 years old David C. Maland.
— Tom Homan – Border Czar Commentary and Updates (@TomHoman_) January 22, 2025
He had spent nine years in the military and 15 working for the federal government. He was even on duty guarding the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
Please keep him and… https://t.co/wCVr6ZwmmL pic.twitter.com/umWrdqozUg
Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, worked as a Border Patrol agent at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station. He spent nine years in the military and 15 working for the federal government.
“While working in Washington, D.C., he was active security in the Pentagon during 9/11,” his family’s statement said.
The FBI is working alongside U.S. Border Patrol and Vermont State Police to uncover more details about the attack.
Vermont’s congressional delegation—Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint—offered their condolences to the family of the fallen agent and the broader Border Patrol community.
“Border Patrol agents play a vital role in safeguarding our borders,” their joint statement read. “They deserve our full support in staffing, pay, and working conditions. We are committed to ensuring the agency has the resources it needs to carry out this important mission. Together, we must do everything possible to prevent future tragedies like what happened today.”
The devastating loss highlights the risks faced by federal officers in their service to the nation.
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Stop handcuffing our police officers.. If they even think their life is being threatened, they should have their weapon out and ready for IMMEDIATE action. No more sacrificing our boys in blue.
Donald, Boy do I AGREE !!!!
Our LEOs should be allowed to be ready for any…ANY…danger to protect themselves as well as others they do protect.
Someone doesn’t open fire unless there is a reason. A purpose. A secret.