A woman from Washington state faces charges related to the deadly shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont. This incident occurred shortly after law enforcement began monitoring her and her German companion, who also lost his life during the confrontation, according to information released by the FBI on Friday.
Teresa Youngblut, aged 21, has been charged with two counts related to firearms following the death of Border Patrol Agent David Maland, 44, who was fatally shot during an incident in Coventry, located approximately 20 miles from the Canadian border, on Monday.
As detailed in an FBI affidavit, Youngblut and her companion, Felix Baukholt, were stopped by a border agent on Interstate 91 for an immigration check. At that moment, Baukholt was believed to have an expired visa, but subsequent investigations confirmed that his visa was actually valid, the FBI reported on Friday.
Youngblut, who was driving Baukholt’s vehicle, reportedly exited the car and opened fire on Agent Maland and other law enforcement officers without any warning, as stated by the FBI. The affidavit further indicates that Baukholt attempted to reach for a firearm but was ultimately shot during the encounter.
While at least one border agent returned fire, it has not been clarified who exactly was struck by the gunfire, according to authorities.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher emphasized the risks taken by law enforcement officers in a statement, expressing commitment to honoring Agent Maland through proper prosecutorial actions. “The events leading to this prosecution tragically demonstrate how the men and women of law enforcement regularly put their lives on the line as they try to keep our communities and our country safe,” he stated.
The FBI revealed that surveillance on Youngblut and Baukholt had commenced on January 14 following reports from a hotel employee who noted concerns about Youngblut carrying a firearm and both individuals dressed in black tactical gear. When approached, the pair claimed they were exploring property options in the area but were hesitant to engage in further discussion, according to the FBI.
Just hours before the deadly shooting occurred, investigators observed Baukholt leaving a Walmart in Newport, located north of Coventry, with two packages of aluminum foil. He was later seen wrapping unclear objects while in the car, as indicated in the affidavit.
After the shooting, authorities conducted a thorough search of the vehicle, uncovering various items including cellphones wrapped in foil, a ballistic helmet, night-vision goggles, respirators, and ammunition. Additionally, they found used shooting range targets, two-way radios, numerous electronic devices, and travel documents concerning several states, along with what appeared to be a journal.
The public defender’s office assigned to represent Youngblut did not respond to inquiries for more information regarding the case. A male individual, claiming to be Youngblut’s grandfather, declined to comment when contacted. Furthermore, efforts to reach others associated with Youngblut in Seattle and Redmond, Washington, were unsuccessful as no one answered the doors, and neighbors opted not to comment.
Maland’s family, represented by his aunt Joan Maland, chose not to make a statement regarding the arrest but expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received. They shared, “To think people who never knew David Christopher Maland personally would reach out with condolences and beautiful words of support has been beyond our imagination. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Our grief continues; please continue to pray for us.”
