A suspect, a German national with a legal visa, is suspected of killing a us border agent Fox News Digital confirmed during a traffic jam near the northern Vermont border.
"Our partners at Homeland Security confirmed that the deceased was a German citizen in the United States with a valid visa," an FBI spokesperson in Albany said.
Officials said Monday, Jan. 20, that 44-year-old U.S. Border Patrol agent David "Chris" Maland was on Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans, Vermont. was shot during a traffic stop.
"We are heartbroken for our partners and share our grief as they mourn the loss of their colleague," FBI Albany said in a statement.
US Border Patrol agent killed in Vermont traffic stop: Homeland Security
A Border Patrol agent moves a robotic device next to a Border Patrol vehicle on southbound Highway 91 near Newport, Vermont, on Monday, January 20, 2025, where a U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed. (David McGlynn, Fox News Digital)
Officials said there were two suspects inside the vehicle. Officials confirmed that one of the suspects died and the other was injured and is being treated at an area hospital.
The FBI field office said it is continuing to work closely with federal, state and local officials to further investigate the incident.
Border Patrol agent killed in Vermont identified
"FBI Albany has extensive resources in the area, including our Evidence Response Team (ERT), victim services, digital forensics and dozens of agents," they said.
On Monday night, authorities were seen using robotic equipment to examine a backpack on the ground at the scene near what appeared to be a body.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed in an empty vehicle on southbound Highway 91 near Newport, Vermont, on Monday, January 20, 2025. (David McGlynn, Fox News Digital)
The Border Patrol Alliance expressed its condolences, saying on the X: "Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Vermont's fallen brother in green."
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Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Becca Balint, D-Ala., expressed their condolences to the family. Express condolences.
"Border Patrol agents do an important job protecting our border. They deserve our full support when it comes to staffing, pay and working conditions," elected officials said in a statement Tuesday. "We look forward to working with the agency to ensure they have all the resources they need to fulfill their responsibilities. We must work together to do everything possible to prevent tragedies like today from happening in the future."
The shooting occurred just hours after President Donald Trump took office for his second term. He vigorously promoted Securing borders and defend law enforcement.