Law enforcement honors fallen border patrol agent as investigators provide few new details of Coventry shooting
Jan 23, 2025
Law enforcement personnel salute as a hearse carrying U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland arrives at Ready Funeral and Cremation Services in Burlington Thursday, Jan. 23. Photo by Glenn Russell/VTDiggerAs a law enforcement procession paid honor Thursday to a U.S. Border Patrol agent who was fatally shot this week in northern Vermont, few details about the circumstances of his death had been released by the federal agency heading the probe.On Tuesday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection identified 44-year-old David “Chris” Maland as the agent who was killed by gunfire following a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Coventry the previous day. In addition to Maland, one “subject” was killed, according to the FBI, and a second was injured and was in custody while being treated at an area hospital.The FBI has provided no further updates and has yet to confirm the identity of the second person killed or the person injured. “At this time, there are no additional details available for release,” Sarah Ruane, an FBI spokesperson said in an email Wednesday night to VTDigger in response to questions about the probe.“FBI investigations are thorough and meticulous, and our updates take time,” Ruane added in the email. “We will continue to work with all parties involved to determine if/when more information can be released but appreciate your patience.”Border patrol has referred questions about the ongoing probe to the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Vermont has repeatedly declined comment on the matter throughout the week. Many questions, including what prompted the traffic stop, remain unanswered by the FBI. No public paperwork appears to have been filed in federal court in Vermont related to the case. Maland’s body was taken to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington following the shooting. READ MORE
At about 10 a.m. Thursday, a motorcade of law enforcement vehicles with their lights flashing paid tribute to Maland. The procession started on the cold and breezy morning at the medical examiner’s office at the University of Vermont Medical Center and continued through Burlington streets that were closed to traffic.The motorcade passed under a large American flag draped from the ladder of a firetruck over Shelburne Road before reaching its destination at Ready Funeral and Cremation Services.More than 200 vehicles and law enforcement personnel from federal, state, county and local departments from around the state and New York took part in the procession, according to Adam Silverman, a Vermont State Police spokesperson. At the funeral home, a hearse carrying Maland’s body was met by a border patrol honor guard. A low-flying helicopter from U.S. Customs and Border Protection also circled the scene.John Ambrosino, the funeral home’s owner, said Thursday afternoon that details were still being worked out as to when and how Maland’s body would be transported for services in Minnesota, where Maland is originally from.In the meantime, Ambrosino said, while Maland’s body remains in Vermont at the funeral home, border patrol agents will be standing watch.The Associated Press reported this week that, prior to joining the border patrol, Maland served in the U.S. Air Force and worked security duty at the Pentagon during the Sept. 11 attacks. “He was a devoted agent who served with honor and bravery,” a family statement provided to the AP said. “He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did; he truly embodied service over self.”The AP also reported that Maland’s cousin, Minnesota state Rep. Krista Knudsen, paid tribute to him Wednesday on the House floor as lawmakers in that state observed a moment of silence.“He will be remembered for his courage and commitment to protecting fellow Americans,” Knudsen said. “He is also a person who served faithfully with honor and bravery. He always put his service above himself.”Glenn Russell contributed reporting. Read the story on VTDigger here: Law enforcement honors fallen border patrol agent as investigators provide few new details of Coventry shooting.