Border Patrol Agent Fatally Shot in Vermont Identified

A U.S. Border Patrol agent, tragically killed in a traffic stop shooting in Vermont near the Canadian border, was a military veteran who had served security duties at the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks, according to his family.

“He was a dedicated agent who served with honor and courage,” stated a family message shared with The Associated Press late Tuesday. “He had immense respect and pride for the work he did; he epitomized the essence of service above self.”

Agent David Maland, 44, lost his life on Monday afternoon after the traffic stop, as confirmed by a spokesperson from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A German national, who was reportedly in the country on a valid visa per the FBI, was also killed, while an injured suspect has been apprehended and is under care at a local hospital.

This outbreak of violence led to the temporary closure of part of Interstate 91 approximately 20 miles from Canada, in Coventry, located in the small, 27,000-resident Orleans County of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, which shares a border with Canada.

Maland had numerous opportunities for advancement yet chose to remain in the field, as expressed by his cousin, Minnesota state Rep. Krista Knudsen. She honored the Minnesota native, known as Chris, on the House floor Wednesday before legislators held a moment of silence.

“He will be remembered for his bravery and dedication to safeguarding fellow Americans,” Knudsen, a Republican from Lake Shore, remarked. “He was truly a person who served faithfully with honor and valor. He consistently placed his duty above his own interests.”

Maland, confirmed by the FBI to be a U.S. Air Force veteran, was killed near the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station, part of the Swanton Sector he was assigned to. This sector covers Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire, encompassing 295 miles of the international boundary with Canada.

The Derby Line–Rock Island Border Crossing is situated roughly 12 miles north of Coventry via highway. It serves as a significant connection to the Canadian province of Quebec, resulting in northern Vermont having more French speakers than most of New England.

According to his family, Maland’s career included nine years of military service and 15 years with the federal government. On September 11, 2001, while stationed at the Pentagon, he was assigned to protect an undersecretary from one of the military branches for several days at a bunker within the Joint Base-Anacostia Bolling in southeast Washington.

He also served as a K-9 handler in Texas, near the Mexico border, before transferring to the northern border. His aunt, Joan Maland, mentioned that he was planning to propose to his partner.

“We are all heartbroken,” she said in a text to AP. She described him as an “exceptional individual. An incredible man.”

Knudsen shared that she and Maland had both grown up in Fairmont, Minnesota, where he completed high school in 1999.

“Chris was a remarkable individual and will be sorely missed. I am thankful for his service, and I know he took great pride in it,” she stated. “Our family is devastated. He died while serving to protect our country. We will treasure his memories and grieve his sacrifice. Until we meet again, Godspeed, you good and faithful servant.”

Maland was the first Border Patrol agent to be killed in the line of duty since Javier Vega Jr. was shot near Santa Monica, Texas, in 2014, according to data provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Vega’s case was initially classified as off-duty at the time of his death, but in 2016, it was officially recognized as being in the line of duty, the agency stated.

In 2010, Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry’s killing brought attention to the mismanaged federal gun operation known as “Fast and Furious.” Additionally, Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie was fatally wounded in a remote area near Bisbee, Arizona, in 2012, and in 2017, Border Patrol Agent Isaac Morales was fatally stabbed while off duty in Texas.

By Kathy McCormack and Steve Karnowski