A German man on a legal visa is accused of killing a United States Border Agent during a traffic stop in Vermont near the Northern border, according to Fox News Digital.
According to FBI Albany, the deceased suspect is confirmed to be a German national with a valid visa in the U.S.
The incident took place on Monday, Jan. 20, when 44-year-old U.S. Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland was shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans, Vermont.
In a statement, FBI Albany said that Maland was a U.S. Air Force veteran, saying: “We are heartbroken for our partners and share in their grief as they mourn the loss of their colleague.”
“FBI Albany has numerous resources in the area, to include our Evidence Response Team (ERT), Victim Services, Digital Forensics, and dozens of Special Agents,” they said.
On Monday night, authorities were seen using a robotic device to inspect a backpack near what appeared to be a body on the ground at the scene.
The Border Patrol Union shared its condolences, saying on X, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of our fallen brother in green in Vermont.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Rep. Becca Balint (Vt.-AL) shared their condolences with the family.
“Border Patrol agents do important work protecting our borders. They deserve our full support in terms of staffing, pay and working conditions,” the elected officials shared in a statement Tuesday. “We look forward to working with the agency to make sure that they have all the resources they need to do the enormously important work that is their responsibility. Together, we must do everything possible to prevent future tragedies like what happened today.”
The shooting came just hours after President Donald Trump was inaugurated to a second term. He campaigned heavily on securing the border and defending law enforcement.
