COVENTRY, Vt. — Tragedy struck on Monday as a U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed on a highway in northern Vermont, just south of the Canadian border. The incident was officially confirmed by the FBI, along with Benjamine Huffman, who is currently serving as the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

According to the FBI, the shooting resulted in the death of the agent, while one alleged assailant was also killed at the scene. A second suspect sustained injuries and was apprehended during the confrontation, which took place on Interstate 91 in Coventry, located roughly 20 miles from the Canadian border. Authorities assured the public that there was no ongoing danger following the incident.

Huffman noted that the agent’s death occurred “in the line of duty.” However, the name of the fallen agent, who worked within the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector, has not yet been disclosed. This sector extends over Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire. Further details regarding the case have not been provided, but officials indicated that more information would be shared as it becomes available.

Following the incident, a section of Interstate 91 was closed in both directions for approximately two hours. The northbound lane reopened shortly after 5 p.m. In addition to federal agencies, Vermont State Police are also involved in the investigation, with the FBI responding from their Albany, New York, office. Huffman assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted promptly.

“Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure,” Huffman remarked in his statement addressing the tragic loss.

Coventry is situated near the Newport Station of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is part of the Swanton Sector that manages a substantial stretch of the 295 miles of international boundary with Canada.

In response to the situation, Vermont political leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Peter Welch, and Representative Becca Balint, issued a joint statement expressing condolences to the agent’s family. They emphasized that Border Patrol agents must receive comprehensive support regarding staffing, salaries, and working conditions.