American border patrol agent killed in Vermont shooting, investigation ongoing

American border patrol agent killed in Vermont shooting, investigation ongoing

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont, on the afternoon of Mon., Jan. 20. The incident, a five-minute drive south from Stanstead, prompted a significant law enforcement response and led to extended highway closures as multiple agencies coordinated to investigate the tragic event.

According to the Newport Daily Express, the initial “officer down” report came over police scanners around 3 p.m., leading to a flurry of activity from emergency responders and law enforcement. Vermont State Police quickly shut down both northbound and southbound lanes of I-91 between Newport and Orleans. A male was found unresponsive at the scene with two gunshot wounds. Subsequent reports identified the victim as U.S. Border Patrol Agent David C. Maland.

In an official statement provided by a CBP Spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it was confirmed that Agent Maland succumbed to injuries sustained from gunfire during the incident. “On Monday, January 20, Border Patrol Agent David C. Maland passed away in the line of duty. U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s thoughts and prayers are with Agent Maland’s family during this difficult time,” the statement read. Additional details regarding the circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation.

Unofficial reports shared with the Newport Daily Express suggested that a suspect had also been fatally injured, while another individual sustained injuries. However, no official confirmation of these details has been released. Vermont State Police indicated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the investigation and referred all inquiries to federal authorities.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) also expressed their condolences for the loss. In a statement provided by Senior Spokesperson Rebecca Purdy, the agency said, “Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with the family, friends, and colleagues of a respected member of the border security community. The Canada Border Services Agency stands with its United States law enforcement counterparts and we are ready to assist as needed.”

The tragedy has drawn significant attention, with law enforcement agencies across the region expressing their grief. CBP’s Swanton Sector, where Agent Maland was assigned, has been at the forefront of maintaining border security in the area, and the loss of one of their members is deeply felt within the community.

This marks a solemn moment for border enforcement agencies on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border. As the investigation unfolds, CBP has assured the public that more information will be shared as it becomes available. In the meantime, the CBSA’s Employee Assistance Program has been activated to provide support for grieving colleagues.

The Record contacted the FBI for more information but received no response before this article went to print.

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