A U.S. Border Patrol agent tragically lost his life in Vermont during a traffic stop close to the Canadian border. This agent, identified as David Maland, was a military veteran who had served security at the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks, according to statements made by his family.
“He was an agent who dedicated himself to his work with honor and bravery,” the family remarked in a statement released late Tuesday. “His respect and pride for his duties were immense; he truly exemplified the essence of selfless service.”
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon when Agent Maland, aged 44, was involved in a traffic stop. A spokesperson from U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that a German national, who was in the U.S. on what the FBI described as a valid visa, was killed during the confrontation, while another suspect was injured and has since been hospitalized.
The violent altercation led to the temporary closure of part of Interstate 91, located approximately 20 miles from the Canadian border in Coventry, which is part of Orleans County’s small community with around 27,000 residents. Maland’s cousin, Krista Knudsen, a state representative from Minnesota, stated that he had many opportunities for advancement in his career but opted to remain in the field, indicating his devotedness to his role. She honored him on the House floor, where members observed a moment of silence.
“He will be remembered for his bravery and dedication to safeguarding fellow Americans,” said Knudsen, a Republican from Lake Shore. “He was a person of great integrity who always prioritized service above all else.”
Agent Maland, confirmed by the FBI as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, was killed near the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station, which is part of the Swanton Sector, covering parts of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire along the Canadian border, extending over 295 miles.
The Derby Line–Rock Island Border Crossing, located about 12 miles north of Coventry, serves as a significant link to Quebec, Canada, contributing to a unique linguistic diversity in the region, with more French speakers than most of New England.
His family reported that Maland’s impressive career included nine years of military service and 15 years in the federal government. During the September 11 attacks, he was stationed at the Pentagon, where he was subsequently assigned to protect a military undersecretary in a bunker for several days after the attacks. Additionally, Maland served as a K-9 handler in Texas near the Mexican border before transferring to the northern border.
His aunt, Joan Maland, expressed the family’s devastation over his death, describing him as an “exceptional person” and an “incredible man.” Knudsen shared that both she and Maland grew up in Fairmont, Minnesota, where he completed high school in 1999.
“Chris was an extraordinary individual who will be profoundly missed. I am thankful for his service, knowing the pride he took in it,” she remarked. “Our family is heartbroken. He lost his life while fulfilling his duty to protect our nation. We will hold onto his memories and honor his sacrifice. Until we reunite, may he rest in peace, a good and faithful servant.”
Agent Maland’s death marks the first instance of a Border Patrol agent being killed by gunfire in the line of duty since the 2014 death of Javier Vega Jr. near Santa Monica, Texas. Initially classified as off duty, Vega’s death was later reclassified in 2016 as a line-of-duty incident.
Notably, the tragic history of Border Patrol agent fatalities includes the high-profile killing of Brian Terry in 2010, which exposed the controversial federal gun operation known as “Fast and Furious.” Additionally, in 2012, Border Patrol Agent Nicholas J. Ivie was fatally injured in Arizona, while Isaac Morales was killed in Texas in 2017 while off duty.
