Authorities investigating fatal shooting of Border Patrol agent on I-91

COVENTRY, Vt. (WCAX) - Authorities say a U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot Monday afternoon while conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 91.

It happened around 3:15 p.m. near the Coventry-Newport town line. Sources tell WCAX the agent was fatally shot in the neck and died. One of the suspects was also killed and another was wounded. There was no immediate information on what prompted the shooting or who was involved.

A portion of the highway was closed in both directions for about two hours although the northbound lanes reopened just after 5 p.m.

Essex County State’s Attorney Vince Illuzzi tells WCAX he was on the interstate Monday around the time of the traffic stop and saw an agent approaching a vehicle pulled over. We’re trying to confirm it was that stop that ended this way.

As of Tuesday, the FBI has taken over the case. While they say there is no threat to the public, officials say I-91 southbound will remain closed due to the investigation.

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman issued a statement on the death of the Swanton Sector agent killed in the line of duty and offered condolences to their family. “Every single day, our Border Patrol agents put themselves in harm’s way so that Americans and our homeland are safe and secure. My prayers and deepest condolences are with our Department, the Agent’s family, loved ones, and colleagues,” he said.

In a joint statement, Vermont’s Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Peter Welch and Rep. Becca Balint sent condolences to the agent’s family and said Border Patrol agents “deserve our full support in terms of staffing, pay and working conditions.”