In a recent development surrounding the tragic incident that occurred during a traffic stop in Vermont, authorities have revealed a significant detail in their report—a woman, charged with the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent, fired the deadly shot that struck the officer in the neck. The confrontation took place on January 20th and involved gunfire exchanged between the suspects and law enforcement officials.
The report follows the encounter in which U.S. Customs and Border Protection disclosed that another agent at the scene retaliated, injuring Teresa Youngblut and resulting in the death of her companion, Felix Bauckholt. Both individuals were suspected to have ties to a cult-like faction known as the Zizians, which authorities claim has also been implicated in violent crimes in Pennsylvania and California. The altercation erupted when agents pulled over Youngblut and Bauckholt on Interstate 91, just a few miles from the Canadian border.
Details emerging from the report indicate that approximately 30 minutes into the traffic stop, law enforcement officials requested Youngblut and Bauckholt to exit their vehicle for further questioning. It was during this moment, as documented, that Youngblut unexpectedly pulled out a firearm and fired upon the agents, ultimately killing David Maland. This intense interaction prompted one agent among the four present to return fire, hitting Youngblut in her arm and leg.
As the scenario escalated, the agent reportedly noticed Bauckholt reaching for a weapon. Despite orders to halt his actions, Bauckholt allegedly ignored the command, leading the officer to discharge his weapon twice, each shot finding its mark on Bauckholt’s chest. Minutes after this sequence, a distress call was made indicating that a colleague suffered a grave gunshot wound to the neck. Despite receiving immediate assistance from other agents and a Vermont state trooper, he was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Youngblut was promptly taken into custody, with law enforcement efforts focusing on stabilizing her wounds as emergency services were summoned. The report highlights that eight rounds were fired by the responding agent, compared to four by Youngblut. Additionally, two firearms were retrieved from the scene, linking them to Youngblut and Bauckholt.
Prior warnings had surfaced on January 19th, when an agent noted suspicious activity involving the couple at a local hotel. Dressed in black tactical gear, they were noticed carrying a firearm and were using the same vehicle—a Prius—that was involved in the confrontation. The report also pointed out concerns regarding Bauckholt’s immigration status, describing him as a German national on an H1B visa, yet undocumented in terms of immigration status.
Youngblut now faces grave charges, including intentionally deploying a deadly weapon against federal law enforcement officers and discharging a firearm amid an assault scenario. She has entered a plea of not guilty in response to these allegations.
When approached for further insight into the unfolding legal proceedings, a spokesperson from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont reaffirmed the office’s stance, stating their policy of not commenting on ongoing cases beyond the public record.