Teresa Youngblut, a woman from Washington state, has been charged with using a deadly weapon to assault federal law enforcement, as well as assault with a deadly weapon, in connection with the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland. The incident occurred during a traffic stop near the Canadian border in Vermont on Monday. Youngblut, along with a passenger, Felix Baukholt, was in a Toyota Prius when border patrol agents discovered they both had guns. Youngblut fired at the agents, prompting them to return fire, resulting in Maland’s death. Baukholt was also killed in the shooting.
Investigators recovered two guns, ammunition, cell phones wrapped in aluminum foil, laptops, and tactical gear from the scene. Youngblut and Baukholt had been under police observation since at least Jan. 14 and were seen in tactical-style clothing in downtown Newport, Vermont. Their behavior raised suspicions leading to the fatal confrontation with border patrol agents. Youngblut’s lawyer declined to comment on the case.
The tragic incident has shocked the law enforcement community and spurred an ongoing investigation by the FBI and local police. The case highlights the dangers faced by border patrol agents and the risks associated with law enforcement duties. As Youngblut remains in treatment at a medical facility, the legal proceedings in her case continue to unfold.
