On Friday, September 24, 2025, the FBI announced the arrest of a Washington state woman in connection with the fatal shooting of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Vermont.
Teresa Youngblut, 21, has been charged in the killing of Border Patrol Agent David Maland, which occurred on Monday. According to the FBI, Youngblut and a German national, who was killed during the firefight that also claimed Maland’s life, had been under surveillance for several days prior to the incident.
Vermont Border Patrol Agent Killed in Shootout with Washington State Woman and German National
A Vermont Border Patrol agent, David “Chris” Maland, 44, was fatally shot during a confrontation with Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Washington state, and Felix Bauckholt, a German national, after their car was stopped on suspicion of an expired immigration visa. The shootout occurred Monday afternoon, approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border.
Incident Details
The altercation unfolded around 3 p.m. when a border patrol agent stopped the pair’s blue 2015 Toyota Prius for an immigration inspection. Court documents revealed that multiple agents arrived shortly after. A database check indicated that Bauckholt, the registered owner of the car, had an expired visa, although conflicting reports from the FBI suggested his visa may have been current.
During the traffic stop, Youngblut reportedly opened fire while standing outside the driver’s side door. Bauckholt attempted to draw his firearm but was shot and killed by responding agents. Maland was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire. Investigators are still determining whether Maland was struck by a bullet fired by Youngblut or by a fellow agent.
Suspects Had Been Under Surveillance
The suspects had been monitored for several days after a hotel employee in Lyndonville reported seeing them in tactical gear, with Youngblut carrying a firearm. On Jan. 19, the pair were seen again in downtown Newport, dressed in tactical clothing and armed.
Federal law enforcement agents had been observing the pair since Jan. 14 after receiving a tip about their suspicious activities. Youngblut and Bauckholt claimed they were in the area to purchase real estate.
Weapons and Tactical Gear Recovered
At the scene, authorities discovered a cache of weapons, tactical gear, and electronic devices, including:
- A ballistic helmet
- Night vision equipment
- Two-way radios
- 48 rounds of .380-caliber hollow-point ammunition
Investigators also found cell phones wrapped in aluminum foil, multiple laptops, and Youngblut’s journal, which contained identification and travel information for multiple states.
Behavior Before the Incident
Hours before the shootout, Youngblut and Bauckholt were seen at a Walmart in Newport purchasing aluminum foil. Surveillance footage showed Bauckholt using the foil to wrap unidentified objects in their car.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Following her arrest, Youngblut was charged with using a deadly weapon to assault a U.S. Border Patrol agent and discharging a firearm in connection with the assault. If convicted, she faces a potential sentence of 10 years to life in prison. She is being represented by a federal public defender.
Victim’s Background
David “Chris” Maland was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the military for nine years before joining U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where he worked for over 15 years. His career included security duty at the Pentagon during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Maland’s death marks a tragic loss for his family and colleagues. He is remembered as a dedicated agent committed to protecting the nation’s borders.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspects’ motives, including whether the pair were engaged in a larger criminal or terror-related operation.