The tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of a Vermont Border Patrol agent has taken a significant turn as authorities have identified the suspects involved.
The FBI has detained Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old from Washington state, in connection with the incident that claimed the life of Border Patrol agent David “Chris” Maland.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont has formally charged Youngblut with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.
On a somber Monday afternoon, around 3:15 p.m., 44-year-old Maland was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 91 in Coventry, Vermont.
Maland, a native of Minnesota and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, had dedicated nine years to military service. He was a committed public servant, having worked in federal government roles for 15 years, including a notable stint providing security at the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks.
The unfortunate event unfolded on the very day President Donald Trump commenced his second term in office. The president wasted no time, signing executive orders aimed at tackling illegal immigration and addressing pressing national issues.
On that day, Border Patrol agents in three marked vehicles intercepted Youngblut, who was driving a blue Toyota Prius southbound on Interstate 91. Inside the vehicle was Felix Baukholt, a German national.
The FBI’s criminal complaint, obtained by Fox News, detailed that on January 20, 2025, an on-duty United States Border Patrol agent initiated a stop of Youngblut’s vehicle to conduct an immigration inspection.
Both Youngblut and Baukholt were reportedly armed at the time. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Baukholt was unlawfully residing in the U.S., having overstayed his visa.
Witnesses reported that Youngblut began firing her gun from inside the vehicle, targeting at least one of the Border Patrol officers. Baukholt, too, allegedly attempted to brandish his weapon. The situation quickly escalated, leading at least one agent to return fire, resulting in injuries to both suspects.
Baukholt was pronounced dead at the scene, while Youngblut and Maland were rushed to North Country Hospital for treatment. Tragically, Maland succumbed to his injuries within an hour.
Youngblut was later transferred to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. The investigation led the FBI to recover a cache of items, including firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, and Youngblut’s journal. Authorities are still working to determine the intended use of this equipment.
Reports from WPTZ indicated that prior to the incident, the suspects were seen at a Newport Walmart purchasing aluminum foil, which they used to wrap items in their vehicle. This activity, coupled with their movements, had placed them under surveillance since January 14.
A hotel employee in Lyndonville recalled seeing Youngblut and Baukholt dressed in black tactical clothing, equipped with protective gear and a firearm. When questioned, the suspects claimed they were in the area to purchase a property. Their suspicious behavior didn’t go unnoticed, as law enforcement later observed them again in tactical attire and armed on January 19.
Court documents now reveal that Youngblut faces two charges of assault with a deadly weapon, alongside an additional charge for resisting or impeding federal law enforcement. The FBI’s Albany office emphasized the charges against Youngblut, reaffirming, “The United States Attorney’s Office District of Vermont has charged Youngblut with assault on a federal law enforcement officer.”
The community and law enforcement agencies are deeply affected by the loss of agent Maland. The FBI expressed, “Our hearts remain with our partners at U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector as they mourn this tremendous loss.”
This incident underscores the daily risks faced by those who protect the nation’s borders, as the community rallies around to support the grieving family and colleagues of the fallen agent.
