A U.S. Border Patrol agent who was fatally shot while on duty in Vermont on Monday has been identified as David “Chris” Maland, a Minnesota native.
The FBI Albany Office confirmed that Maland, 44, was a graduate of Fairmont High School and a U.S. Air Force veteran. After leaving the military, he pursued a 15-year career with the Border Patrol, serving on both the southern and northern borders.
“We are saddened to inform you of the death of Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland of the United States Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection – United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government. End of Watch: Monday, January 20, 2025.
Border Patrol Agent Chris Maland was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 near Newport, Vermont, near the Canadian Border at 3:15 p.m. One suspect was shot and killed, and the second suspect was injured. He is in federal custody.
Agent Maland was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the United States Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection – United States Border Patrol for over nine years. He was assigned to the Swanton Sector. He is survived by his mother, father, brother, and girlfriend.”
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. on Interstate 91 near Coventry, Vermont, during a traffic stop. Authorities have not disclosed why the Border Patrol initiated the stop or the events leading up to the suspect opening fire.
The suspect involved in the shooting has been identified as a German national in the U.S. on a legal visa. Officials have not released their name, but a second suspect has been taken into custody.
The FBI described the investigation as “extremely active,” with local, county, state, and federal agencies working together on the case.
This marks the first time in over a decade that a Border Patrol agent has been killed in the line of duty.
