The U.S. Border Patrol agent allegedly killed by Germans during a traffic stop near the Vermont-Canada border on Monday was a veteran who worked as a security guard at the Pentagon during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. His family has revealed that.
“He was a dedicated agent who performed his duties with honor and courage,” David “Chris” Marand's family said in a statement to The Associated Press late Tuesday. “He had a tremendous amount of respect and pride in his work. He truly exemplified service over self.”
Marand, 44, was shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 between Newport and Orleans, Vermont. An FBI Albany spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital on Tuesday that the suspect is a “German national who is in the United States on a current visa.”
The suspect, whose name has not been released, is in federal custody and being treated at a hospital.
German suspect identified in shooting death of U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont
This undated image courtesy of Joan Marand shows U.S. Border Patrol agent David Marand killed after a traffic stop in Vermont on Monday, January 20, 2025. (David Marand/Joanne Marand, via AP)
Marando, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, worked as a Border Patrol agent at U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Newport Station. He spent nine years in the military and 15 years working for the federal government.
“He worked in Washington, D.C., and was an active security guard at the Pentagon during 9/11,” the family's statement said.
Border Patrol agent killed in Vermont identified
Marando, a Minnesota native and U.S. Air Force veteran, worked as a Border Patrol agent at U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Newport Station. He spent nine years in the military and 15 years working for the federal government. (David Marand/Joanne Marand, via AP)
Marando's family told The Associated Press that he was also a K-9 handler and previously worked as a Border Patrol agent near the southern Texas border.
His aunt Joan Marando said the 44-year-old was about to propose to his partner.
US Border Patrol agent killed in Vermont traffic stop: DHS
A “Welcome to Newport” sign on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 in Newport, Vermont. A U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed Monday during a traffic stop on Route 91 in Newport. His assailant also died and another person was injured, according to law enforcement. (David McGlynn, Fox News Digital)
“We are all devastated,” she told The Associated Press in a text message, calling her nephew “an exceptional person. An incredible person.”
Officials previously told FOX News Digital that there were two suspects inside the vehicle, one of whom was killed and another who sustained gunshot wounds.
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Derby Line Port of Entry Derby Line, Vermont, Tuesday, January 21, 2025. (David McGlynn, Fox News Digital)
The shooting incident temporarily closed a section of Interstate 91, about 20 miles from Canada.
Gov. Phil Scott said in a statement Tuesday that his “deepest condolences go out to Agent Marand's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
On Monday, January 20, 2025, a U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed in an empty vehicle heading south on Route 91 near Newport, Vermont. (David McGlynn, Fox News Digital)
“The Vermont State Police continues to provide support and resources to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the investigation,” Scott continued. “This is a reminder of how dangerous the job of law enforcement is as they put their lives on the line to protect our communities. My thoughts are with all of law enforcement during this time of grief. ”
The FBI field office said it will continue to work closely with federal, state and local authorities to investigate the incident.
A Border Patrol agent walks along southbound Route 91 near Newport, Vermont, where a U.S. Border Patrol agent was shot and killed on Monday, January 20, 2025. (David McGlynn, Fox News Digital)
Democratic Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch and Democratic Vermont Rep. Becca Balint offered their condolences to Marand's family in a statement Tuesday.
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“Border Patrol agents do an important job of protecting our border, and they deserve our full support in terms of staffing, pay, and working conditions,” the elected officials said. . “We look forward to working with the authorities to ensure they have all the resources they need to carry out the very important work that is their responsibility. We must do everything possible to prevent future tragedies like this.”
The shooting occurred just hours after President Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term. he campaigned extensively secure borders and defend law enforcement.
FOX News' Sarah Rumpf-Witten, Michael Lewis and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
