COVENTRY, Vermont — Family, friends and local, state and federal officials are mourning the loss of a U.S. Border Patrol agent killed Monday in the line of duty near the U.S.-Canada border.
State Police and media reports have identified the slain agent as 44-year-old David Maland.
“He was a devoted agent who served with honor and bravery,” a family statement provided to The Associated Press late Tuesday said. “He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did; he truly embodied service over self.”
Maland was fatally shot after a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Coventry, about 20 miles from Canada, around 3:15 p.m. Monday, according to Vermont State Police.
The Associated Press reported that a German national in the country on what the FBI called a current visa was killed and an injured suspect was taken into custody and is being treated at a local hospital.
“Our hearts are heavy as we send our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters with US Border Patrol Swanton Sector after Agent David “Chris” Maland was fatally shot yesterday in the line of duty in Coventry, Vermont,” state police said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“Please join us in keeping Agent Maland, his family and friends, and all the members of the U.S. Border Patrol in your thoughts and prayers,” state police said.
The Associated Press reported that Maland, a U.S. Air Force veteran, was killed close to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station, part of the Swanton Sector that he was assigned to.
Maland’s family told The Associated Press that his career spanned nine years in the military and 15 in the federal government.
“While working in Washington, D.C., he was active security in the Pentagon during 9/11,” the family’s statement said.
Maland, a Minnesota native, was also a K-9 handler. Before heading to the northern border, he served in Texas, near the border with Mexico, The Associated Press reported. He was about to propose marriage to his partner, a family member said.
“We are all devastated,” his aunt, Joan Maland, told AP in a text. She called him an “exceptional person. Incredible man.”
In a press conference at the State House on Tuesday, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott identified Maland as the fallen officer.
“I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Agent Maland’s family, friends, and colleagues,” Scott said. “The FBI is leading this investigatin and the Vermont State Police will continue to assist in any way they can.”
Vermont Sen. Russ Ingalls, R-Essex, also mentioned Maland’s death while speaking on the Senate floor Tuesday morning, following a moment of silence, the VTdigger reported.
“I just want to put a name to the face of the officer that was killed yesterday,” Ingalls said. “His name is David Maland, and I thank you very much for the moment of silence.”
Federal officials said Monday that the slain agent was assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector.
“Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure. My prayers and deepest condolences are with our Department, the Agent’s family, loved ones, and colleagues,” Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman said in a statement on Monday.
“This incident is being swiftly investigated and DHS will release additional information as soon as it becomes available,” Huffman said.
I-91 was temporarily closed in both directions on Monday following the fatal shooting.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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