NEWPORT –– The U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot on Interstate 91 near Coventry has been identified by federal law enforcement sources as 44-year-old David Maland of Newport.
Maland, a 13-year veteran of the agency who previously lived in Texas, was assigned to the Newport Border Patrol station. He was conducting a traffic stop at about 3:15 p.m. Monday when shots were fired.
A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Maland and one suspect died in the incident.
Another suspect was wounded and taken into custody. The FBI, working with Border Patrol and Vermont State Police, is investigating the shooting as an assault on a federal officer. Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
In a statement, the National Border Patrol Council, the union representing agents, said, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of our fallen brother in green in Vermont.”
Vermont’s congressional delegation likewise offered condolences, calling Maland’s death “a tragic loss” and pledging to monitor the situation alongside state and federal authorities.
Both lanes of Interstate 91 have since reopened, following extended closures while investigators processed the scene.