Family Reveals Border Patrol Agent Killed in Vermont Served at the Pentagon During 9/11 Attacks
“He was a dedicated agent who served with distinction and valor,” his family remarked in a statement.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent, who lost his life in northern Vermont near the Canadian border on Monday, was a military veteran who provided security at the Pentagon during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to his family on Tuesday.
David Maland, a native of Minnesota, was tragically shot during a traffic stop on Monday afternoon, as confirmed by a spokesperson from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The incident took place on Interstate 91, approximately 20 miles from Canada in Coventry, a part of the small, 27,000-resident community of Orleans County in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom that borders Canada.
The shooting also claimed the life of a German national visiting the U.S. on what the FBI described as a valid visa. Another individual, identified as a suspect in the shooting, sustained injuries and was apprehended; the suspect is presently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have not released the names of the German national or the injured suspect.
“He was a dedicated agent who served with distinction and valor,” said his family in their statement. “He held a deep respect and pride for his work; he truly represented service over self.”
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Maland was fatally shot near the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Swanton Sector he was assigned to. The Swanton Sector is accountable for patrolling parts of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire, encompassing 295 miles of international border with Canada.
The agency noted that Maland began his career with CBP in 2015, completing the 1065th Session of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy.
His family shared that his service included nine years in the military and 15 years within the federal government.
During the 9/11 attacks, Maland’s duty station was the Pentagon. Following the news of the attacks, he was assigned to guard an undersecretary from one of the military branches for several days at a bunker at Joint Base-Anacostia Bolling, situated in southeast Washington.
His family also mentioned that Maland was a K-9 handler and prior to his assignment at the northern border, he served in Texas, near the Mexico border.
Minnesota Lawmaker Honors Cousin
Maland was related to Minnesota state Representative Krista Knudsen, a Republican from Lake Shore.
During a speech on the House floor on Wednesday, Knudsen paid tribute to her cousin, stating that Maland had multiple opportunities for promotion within CBP but opted to remain in the field.
“He will be remembered for his bravery and dedication to protecting fellow Americans,” Knudsen expressed. “He epitomized honor and courage, always prioritizing his service above personal gain.”
Lawmakers held a moment of silence to honor Maland.
According to his aunt, Joan Maland, he was preparing to propose to his partner.
“Chris was an extraordinary man and will be profoundly missed. I am thankful for his service, and I know he took immense pride in it,” she reflected. “Our family is heartbroken. He died while serving to protect our nation. We will hold his memories close and mourn his sacrifice. Until we reunite, Godspeed, you good and faithful servant.”
“We must always remember that the men and women in green on the front lines of this border crisis defend our homeland at a significant personal cost,” the lawmaker stressed. “Time and again, these brave public servants, including Agent Maland, pay the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
