The Vermont Border Patrol agent who was allegedly killed by a German national was a veteran
A US Border Patrol agent was reportedly shot and killed by a German national during a nearby traffic stop Vermont-Canada border on Monday was an Army veteran who worked security at the Pentagon during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to a statement from his family.
“He was a dedicated agent who served with honor and courage,” the family of David “Chris” Maland said in a statement to The Associated Press late Tuesday. “He had tremendous respect and pride for the work he did; he truly epitomized service above self.”
Maland, 44, was hit by gunfire during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans, Vermont. An FBI spokesman in Albany confirmed to Fox News Digital on Tuesday that the suspect is “a German citizen in the US with a current visa.”
The suspect, who has not been named, was taken into federal custody and is being treated at a hospital.
A GERMAN CITIZEN SUSPECTED IN THE DEADLY SHOOTING OF A US BORDER PATROL AGENT IN VERMONT
This undated photo courtesy of Joan Maland shows U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland, who was killed Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, following a traffic stop in Vermont. (David Maland/Joan Maland via AP)
Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, worked as border patrol agent at US Customs and Border Protection Newport Station. He spent nine years in the military and 15 working for the federal government.
“While working in Washington, DC, he was an active security guard at the Pentagon during 9/11,” his family said in a statement.
BORDER AGENT KILLED IN VERMONT IDENTIFIED
Maland, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, worked as a border patrol agent at U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station. He spent nine years in the military and 15 working for the federal government. (David Maland/Joan Maland via AP)
He was also a K-9 handler and previously served as Border Patrol Agent in Texas near the southern border, Maland’s family told the AP.
His aunt, Joan Maland, said the 44-year-old would propose to his partner.
US BORDER PATROL AGENT KILLED IN VERMONT TRAFFIC STOP: DHS
The Welcome to Newport sign in Newport, Vermont, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. A U.S. Border Patrol agent was killed on Route 91 in Newport on Monday during a traffic stop. His attacker was also killed, according to police, and another person was injured. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
“We are all devastated,” she told the AP in the text, calling her nephew “an exceptional person. An incredible man.”
Officials previously told Fox News Digital that there were two suspects in the car and confirmed that one of the suspects was dead and the other was injured in the shooting.
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Derby Line Port of Entry Derby Line, Vermont Tuesday, January 21, 2025 (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
The shooting temporarily closed a stretch of Interstate 91 about 20 miles from Canada.
Gov. Phil Scott offered his “deepest condolences to Agent Maland’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time” in a statement Tuesday.
An empty car on Route 91 south near Newport, Vermont, where a U.S. border agent was killed, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
“The Vermont State Police will continue to offer support and resources to the FBI as they conduct their investigation,” Scott continued. “This is a reminder of how dangerous the work of law enforcement can be, putting their lives on the line to protect our communities. My thoughts are with the entire law enforcement community at this time of grief.”
The FBI field office said it continues to work closely with federal, state and local officials to investigate the incident.
A Border Patrol agent walks along southbound Interstate 91 near Newport, Vermont, where a U.S. border agent was shot and killed, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)
Democratic Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, as well as Vermont Democratic Rep. Becca Balint, expressed their condolences to Maland’s family in a statement Tuesday.
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“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 said. “We look forward to working with the agency to make sure they have all the resources they need to do the extremely important work that is their responsibility. Together, we must do everything possible to prevent future tragedies like the one that occurred today.”
The shooting came just hours after President Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term. He ran a fierce campaign border security and defending law enforcement.
Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, Michael Ruiz and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
