Authorities say a US border patrol agent was fatally shot in Vermont south of border
Share and Follow


COVENTRY, Vt. (AP) — A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot Monday on a highway in northern Vermont south of the Canadian border, authorities said.

The death was confirmed by the FBI and Benjamine Huffman, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in Washington.

In a statement, the FBI said that in addition to the agent, a suspect in the shooting was killed and a second suspect was injured and taken into custody during the encounter on Interstate 91 in Coventry, about 20 miles (32 km) from the Canadian border.

The FBI said there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Huffman said the death occurred “in the line of duty.” The identity of the agent, who was assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector, was not immediately released. The sector encompasses Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire.

Federal authorities did not provide additional details but said they would be released as they became available.

A portion of Interstate 91 was closed in both directions for about two hours afterward. The northbound lane reopened just after 5 p.m. Besides federal authorities, the Vermont State Police was also investigating. The FBI responded from the Albany, New York, office.

Huffman said the death would be “swiftly investigated.”

“Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure,” Huffman said in a statement.

Coventry is close to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station, part of the Swanton Sector. The area includes 295 miles (475 kilometers) of international boundary with Canada.

In a joint statement, Vermont’s Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch and Rep. Becca Balint sent condolences to the agent’s family and said Border Patrol agents “deserve our full support in terms of staffing, pay and working conditions.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
JSO: Man dies after being found shot on Brentwood Avenue

Breaking: JSO Launches Probe into Tragic Southside Shooting Incident

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has assured the public that a recent incident…
Ten housing markets are crashing like the Great Recession

Top 10 Housing Markets Plummeting: Are We Facing Another Great Recession?

The U.S. housing market is experiencing a subtle but notable downturn. After…
California migrant truckers suing state DMV over canceled commercial drivers licenses

California Migrant Truckers Challenge DMV: Legal Battle Over Revoked Commercial Licenses

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is currently embroiled in a…
Nickelodeon star Tylor Chase is hospitalized as loved ones unite

Nickelodeon Actor Tylor Chase Hospitalized: Family and Friends Rally Together

Tylor Chase has found the medical care he desperately needs in a…
Bari Weiss defends pulling '60 Minutes' segment in Christmas memo to CBS News staff

Bari Weiss Explains Decision to Withdraw ’60 Minutes’ Segment in CBS News Holiday Message

CBS News’ editor in chief, Bari Weiss, has defended her choice to…
Joe Rogan says Trump's recent behavior 'nutty'

Joe Rogan Critiques Trump’s Latest Actions as ‘Nutty’: A Closer Look at the Controversial Commentary

Joe Rogan recently expressed concerns over Donald Trump’s erratic behavior, attributing some…
Australian prime minister announces national bravery honors after antisemitic terror attack

Australian PM Awards National Bravery Honors in Response to Antisemitic Terror Attack

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled plans on Thursday for a national…
UPS plane crash in Louisville claims 15th victim weeks after fiery takeoff failure

Tragic UPS Plane Crash in Louisville: 15th Victim Succumbs Weeks After Catastrophic Takeoff Incident

NTSB releases preliminary report on UPS plane crash Charley Pereira, a former…