A German national who worked at the Pentagon during 9/11 was allegedly killed by a Vermont Border Patrol agent, according to the family.
Chris Maland, a Minnesota native and US Air Force veteran, was loved by his family.
On Monday, a U.S. Border Patrol agent who was allegedly killed by a German national during a traffic stop near the Vermont-Canada border was a military veteran who worked security at the Pentagon during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to his family.
"David "Chris" Maland was a devoted agent who served with honor and bravery, his family said in a statement to The Associated Press late Tuesday. He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did, truly embodying service over self."
On Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans, Vermont, a German national was shot during a traffic stop at the age of 44. An FBI Albany spokesperson confirmed to Planet Chronicle Digital on Tuesday that the suspect was in the U.S. on a current Visa.
The unidentified suspect has been apprehended by federal authorities and is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital.
A Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, Maland worked as a Border Patrol agent at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Newport Station for 15 years after spending nine years in the military.
During 9/11, he was an active security member in the Pentagon while working in Washington, D.C., his family's statement said.
Maland was previously a K-9 handler and Border Patrol agent in Texas near the southern border, his family told AP.
Joan Maland, his aunt, stated that the 44-year-old was planning to propose to his partner.
"She texted AP, saying "We are all devastated" and calling her nephew an "exceptional person. Incredible man.""
According to previous statements from officials to Planet Chronicle Digital, there were two suspects in the car, and one of them was killed while the other was injured in the shooting.
The shooting temporarily closed part of Interstate 91 about 20 miles from Canada.
In a Tuesday statement, Gov. Phil Scott expressed his "deepest condolences to Agent Maland's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time."
"The Vermont State Police will continue to support and provide resources to the Federal Bureau of Investigation as they lead the investigation," Scott stated. "This serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, who risk their lives to safeguard our communities. My thoughts are with the entire law enforcement community during this time of mourning."
The FBI office is collaborating with federal, state, and local authorities to probe the incident.
In a Tuesday statement, Democratic Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, along with Democratic Vermont Rep. Becca Balint, expressed their sympathies to the family of Maland.
"Border Patrol agents play a crucial role in safeguarding our borders. As elected officials, we pledge to provide them with adequate staffing, compensation, and working conditions. We are eager to collaborate with the agency to ensure they have the necessary resources to carry out their vital duties. Let us work together to prevent any further incidents like the one that occurred today."
Hours after being inaugurated for a second term, President Donald Trump's campaign promise of securing the border and defending law enforcement was fulfilled with a shooting.
This report was contributed to by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten from Planet Chronicle, Michael Ruiz, and The Associated Press.
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- A German national who worked at the Pentagon during 9/11 was allegedly killed by a Vermont Border Patrol agent, according to the family.