Border Patrol agent identified and mourned

PLATTSBURGH | Communities and law enforcement across northern Vermont, New York and the nation are mourning the loss of a dedicated U.S. Border Patrol Agent killed in the line of duty Monday afternoon. The FBI Albany Field Office formally identified Agent David "Chris" Maland as the federal officer involved in the deadly shooting on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vt. In a Tuesday evening update, FBI officials said Maland was involved in a traffic stop in the southbound lanes when the exchange of gunfire happened, killing both Maland and a German national in the U.S. on a current Visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security. A second subject- reportedly an American woman- was injured and is currently being treated at an area hospital. Federal officials have not identified the two subjects involved as the investigation continues. "We are heartbroken for our partners and share in their grief as they mourn the loss of their colleague, who also served his country as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force," the FBI Albany Office said. The investigation remained active through Tuesday as the FBI activated numerous resources in the federal investigation including its Evidence Response Team (ERT), Victim Services, Digital Forensics, and dozens of Special Agents. "We continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to piece the details of this incident together. We want to extend our sincere thanks to our law enforcement partners from Newport Police Department, Orleans County Sheriff's Office, Vermont State Police, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, and Border Patrol for their swift response to assist with securing the scene, processing evidence, and following investigative leads." Maland, 44, transferred from Texas to Vermont where he worked in the Swanton Sector, which encompasses Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire. He was a highly regarded K-9 handler and served his country at the Pentagon during 9/11. Vermont State Police were among the many local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to offer its "deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters with U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector after Agent David "Chris" Maland was fatally shot yesterday in the line of duty…Please join us in keeping Agent Maland, his family and friends, and all the members of the U.S. Border Patrol in your thoughts and prayers." Lawmakers from across the nation were also quick to offer condolences and condemn the border violence, including Vermont Gov. Phil Scott. A moment of silence was held at the Vermont capitol Tuesday as the investigation continued. House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) said he was "heartbroken by the loss of Agent David Maland, a dedicated Border Patrol agent who was horrifically shot in the line of duty while serving at our northern border. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to Agent Maland for nearly a decade of service protecting our communities in the force. We must never forget that the men and women in green on the frontlines of this border crisis defend our homeland at great personal cost. Far too often these courageous public servants, like Agent Maland, pay the ultimate price. Please join me in prayer for Agent Maland's loved ones and fellow agents as they mourn this tragic loss and honor his memory."

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Border Patrol agent identified and mourned

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