A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot on Monday afternoon during an incident on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont, approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border. The incident also resulted in the death of a suspect and the injury of another, who was subsequently taken into custody. The FBI and acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Benjamine Huffman, confirmed the agent’s death, stating that they had fallen “in the line of duty.” The agent, assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector, which covers Vermont, parts of New York, and New Hampshire, was not immediately identified. This sector is responsible for patrolling 295 miles of the international boundary with Canada. The interstate was partially closed following the shooting but reopened fully less than a day later.
The shooting unfolded around 3:15 p.m. in Orleans County, a sparsely populated region of approximately 27,000 residents situated in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, an area known for its rural character and proximity to the Canadian border. The location is just a short drive from the Derby Line–Rock Island Border Crossing, a key connection to the Canadian province of Quebec, contributing to the higher concentration of French speakers in northern Vermont compared to the rest of New England. This border crossing is a significant point of entry and exit between the two countries.
Prior to the shooting, Essex County State’s Attorney Vincent Illuzzi had observed what he believed to be a routine traffic stop conducted by a U.S. Border Patrol agent on I-91, just past the Newport exit. The agent’s vehicle, an unmarked white pickup truck equipped with a cab and flashing red and blue lights, had stopped a small blue car. Illuzzi recalled seeing the agent interacting with an individual standing between the truck and the car. At the time, the scene appeared unremarkable. However, upon returning to the highway later that evening, Illuzzi noticed that the two vehicles remained parked, now accompanied by several other law enforcement vehicles, suggesting that the situation had escalated.
The incident underscores the close working relationship between the U.S. Border Patrol and state and local law enforcement agencies in the area. Due to limited local resources, Border Patrol agents often serve as first responders in emergency situations, playing a vital role in maintaining security and responding to incidents along the border. This collaboration is crucial in addressing cross-border criminal activity and ensuring public safety in the region. The specific circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Vermont State Police, and Orleans County state’s attorney’s office declined to provide immediate comments on the ongoing investigation. A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicated that information would be released as it becomes available. The incident has prompted an outpouring of support for the fallen agent and their family. Vermont’s Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint expressed their condolences and emphasized the importance of providing Border Patrol agents with adequate resources, fair compensation, and safe working conditions.
The investigation into the fatal shooting is being led by the FBI, in conjunction with other relevant law enforcement agencies. Authorities are working to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the exchange of gunfire and to determine the motivations of the suspects involved. The incident highlights the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers, particularly those working in border regions, where they often encounter unpredictable and potentially hazardous situations. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks undertaken by those who serve in law enforcement and the importance of supporting their safety and well-being.
