US Border Patrol agent killed in Vermont traffic stop: DHS

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Police close Interstate after US Border Agent shot and killed

According to the Vermont State Police the incident occurred on Interstate 91 and interstate was closed in both directions between exit 27 in Newport and exit 26 in Orleans. (Ben Roberts via Storyful)

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A United States Border Agent was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Vermont near the Northern border, Fox News has confirmed.

The Department of Homeland Security said that a Border Patrol agent was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont on Monday at 3:15 p.m. Coventry is near the U.S.-Canada border.

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman issued a statement saying the “incident is being swiftly investigated.”

“Today, January 20, a Border Patrol agent assigned to the US Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector was fatally shot in the line of duty. Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure,” Huffman wrote.

MEXICO, CANADA ‘NEED TO SECURE THEIR BORDERS AS MUCH AS WE NEED TO SECURE OURS;” INCOMING BORDER CZAR

Border Patrol stakes out a rural area near the Canadian border which borders New Hampshire and Vermont in Canaan, Vermont on January 20, 2024.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

“My prayers and deepest condolences are with our Department, the Agent’s family, loved ones, and colleagues. This incident is being swiftly investigated and DHS will release additional information as soon as it becomes available.”

During the traffic stop, two suspects were in the car. Officials confirmed that one of the suspects was dead.

A spokesperson for the FBI Albany said they are investigating and confirmed that the U.S. Border Patrol Agent was killed along with another person. The agency also said a third person was injured and is in custody.

“FBI personnel will be working with our partners from U.S. Border Patrol and Vermont State Police to gather evidence and process the scene,” the statement read. “While there is no threat to the public, Interstate 91 will remain closed due to investigative activity.”

Vermont Governor Phil Scott’s office said that he is aware of the incident and Vermont State Police was assisting federal authorities. 

Border Patrol agents have been fired upon in a series of targeted attacks this month, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said.   (Getty Images)

The agent’s death came the day of President Trump’s swearing in. Trump has promised to make border security among his top priorities. 

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the Vermont State Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for comment. 

Sarah Rumpf-Whitten is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. 

Story tips and ideas can be sent to sarah.rumpf@fox.com and on X: @s_rumpfwhitten.

Related Topics

• Border security
• Police and Law Enforcement
• Immigration
• Vermont