Crime
US border patrol agent 44-year-old David Maland killed in Vermont south of border
One suspect was killed during the encounter, while a second suspect was injured and taken into custody.
Coventry, VT — A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot in the line of duty Monday during an incident on Interstate 91 in northern Vermont, approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border.
The agent has been identified by sources as 44-year-old David Maland, who had served with the Border Patrol for nearly a decade, joining the agency—known as the “Green Family”—in 2015.
Maland initially served in Texas before transferring to Vermont, where he was assigned to the Swanton Sector, which covers the international border across Vermont, parts of New York, and New Hampshire.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed the agent’s death in an official statement, classifying it as a “line of duty death.” B
enjamine Huffman, Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), expressed condolences and assured a thorough investigation into the incident.
The FBI, which is leading the investigation, stated that in addition to Agent Maland, one suspect was killed during the encounter, while a second suspect was injured and taken into custody.
Authorities confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The FBI’s Albany, New York office, along with the Vermont State Police, responded to the scene.
As a result of the shooting, a portion of Interstate 91 was temporarily closed in both directions for approximately two hours. The northbound lanes were reopened shortly after 5 p.m.
Acting DHS Secretary Huffman emphasized the dedication and sacrifices made by Border Patrol agents, stating:
“Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure. This tragedy will be swiftly investigated to ensure accountability.”
In a joint statement, Vermont lawmakers—Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint— extended their condolences to the fallen agent’s family and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Border Patrol personnel through enhanced staffing, pay, and working conditions.
The Swanton Sector, where Agent Maland was assigned, is responsible for patrolling 295 miles (475 kilometers) of the U.S.-Canada border, an area that has seen increased enforcement efforts in recent months.
Federal authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the shooting but have assured the public that additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is urged to contact federal or local law enforcement agencies.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating a shooting that took place Friday afternoon near Brown Middle School in Forney ISD.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals were shot in a residential neighborhood near Windmill Farms Boulevard, just outside Forney city limits.
In response to the incident, two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the shooting.
However, law enforcement has not yet released details regarding their identities or possible motives.
Forney ISD officials confirmed the presence of an active crime scene in the vicinity, prompting precautionary security measures across multiple campuses.
Brown Middle School, along with North Forney Middle School, Smith Intermediate, Dewberry Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, and Forney Learning Academy, were placed in “secure” mode as a safety precaution.
Despite the close proximity of the shooting, Forney ISD emphasized that the incident did not occur on school grounds and that all students and staff remained safe throughout the situation.
News footage from the scene showed crime scene tape around a vehicle parked in front of the school.
The district lifted the security measures at approximately 3:30 p.m. and began releasing students to their parents.
Students who walk home were expected to leave at their normal dismissal time of 4:00 p.m., though minor delays were anticipated for bus routes.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No further details have been provided regarding the condition of the victims.