David Maland Obituary-Death News; Border Patrol Agent David Maland Fatally Shot in Line of Duty on I-91 Near Canadian Boarder
In a tragic incident on Monday afternoon, U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland was killed in the line of duty on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont, a town just 20 miles from the Canadian border.
Maland, aged 44, had been part of the Border Patrol for nearly a decade, joining in 2015 and known affectionately within the agency as part of the “Green Family.” His career began in Texas before he transferred to Vermont, working in the Swanton Sector, which spans Vermont, parts of New York, and New Hampshire.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officially acknowledged Agent Maland’s death, categorizing it as a “line of duty death.”
Benjamine Huffman, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss and vowed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to the FBI, who are leading the investigation, the incident involved a confrontation that resulted in not only the death of Agent Maland but also one of the suspects involved.
Another suspect was injured and subsequently taken into custody.
The FBI has stated that the incident does not pose a continuing threat to public safety. The Vermont State Police assisted at the scene alongside the FBI’s Albany, New York office.
The shooting led to the temporary closure of Interstate 91 in both directions, which was managed for about two hours, with the northbound lanes reopening shortly after 5 p.m.
The disruption caused significant traffic diversions and delays in the area, with motorists advised to seek alternative routes.
In his statement, Acting DHS Secretary Huffman underscored the daily risks Border Patrol agents face, emphasizing, “Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure.
This tragedy will be swiftly investigated to ensure accountability.” This incident has sparked a renewed focus on the dangers faced by border security personnel and the need for adequate support and resources.
In response, Vermont’s congressional delegation, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, along with Representative Becca Balint, issued a joint statement mourning the loss of Agent Maland.
They committed to advocating for better staffing, pay, and working conditions for Border Patrol agents, recognizing the critical and perilous nature of their work.
The Swanton Sector, where Maland served, has been increasingly active due to heightened border security efforts along the 295 miles of U.S.-Canada border it oversees.
This region has seen a surge in enforcement activities aimed at curbing illegal crossings and smuggling.
Details about the exact circumstances of the shooting remain sparse, as federal authorities continue their investigation.
They have promised to release more information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, the community and law enforcement agencies are united in grief, focusing on supporting Maland’s