A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot in a shooting incident on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont, approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border. Federal authorities said the incident happened Monday afternoon and involved a confrontation with two suspects.
According to the FBI, one suspect was shot dead during the scuffle while the other is reportedly injured and taken into custody. Authorities say there is no ongoing threat in the area.
Benjamin Huffman, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said he was deeply saddened by the loss and added that the agent was killed “in the line of duty.” The agent, whose name was not released, was assigned to the Swanton Sector, which covers Vermont and portions of New York and New Hampshire.
Local and federal authorities, including the FBI’s Albany, New York, office and the Vermont State Police, are investigating the shooting. A section of Interstate 91 was temporarily closed in both directions for about two hours following the incident. The northbound lane reopened just after 5 p.m.
Huffman stressed the importance of Border Patrol agents in protecting the country. “Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure,” he said in a statement, promising a swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding the agent’s death.
The shooting occurred near the Newport Station, which serves as one of the primary operational hubs for the Swanton Sector. This sector oversees 295 miles of the international border between the United States and Canada. Federal authorities haven’t revealed much more, promising updates as the investigation continues.
This incident showcases the risks faced by Border Patrol agents while protecting U.S. borders and providing public safety.
