Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old woman from Washington state, faces serious charges following a tragic incident near the Vermont–Canada border.
The FBI announced that Youngblut was arrested on January 24, four days after a fatal encounter with a U.S. Border Patrol agent. The young woman stands accused of using a deadly weapon during an assault on a federal officer and discharging a firearm.
The unfortunate event unfolded when U.S. Border Patrol agent David “Chris” Maland, 44, conducted a traffic stop on Youngblut’s vehicle on Interstate 91, nestled between Newport and Orleans, Vermont.
Authorities report that Youngblut and her passenger, German national Felix Bauckholt, were both armed. During the stop, Youngblut allegedly opened fire, while Bauckholt attempted to draw his weapon.
The exchange of gunfire resulted in the tragic death of Agent Maland, who succumbed to his injuries. Bauckholt was pronounced dead at the scene, while Youngblut, injured in the altercation, received medical attention at a nearby hospital.
The FBI disclosed that Youngblut and Bauckholt had been under surveillance since January 14. A local hotel worker had tipped off law enforcement after observing the pair armed and clad in tactical gear. When confronted by investigators, the duo claimed they were in the area to explore real estate opportunities.
On the day of the incident, law enforcement watched as the pair loitered in a vehicle at a Walmart parking lot. Suspicion grew when Bauckholt was seen wrapping unidentified items in aluminum foil.
Additionally, the FBI noted that Bauckholt’s immigration status was questionable, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The shooting occurred in close proximity to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Newport Station. Agent Maland was part of the Swanton Sector, which covers Vermont as well as parts of New York and New Hampshire, including a significant stretch of the U.S.–Canada border. The FBI expressed its condolences, emphasizing the loss felt by the U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector.
Agent Maland, a native of Minnesota, was an esteemed member of the U.S. Air Force and had previously served on security duty at the Pentagon during the September 11 attacks. His family described him as a devoted agent who embodied the principle of service over self, consistently showing honor and bravery in his duties.
House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green from Tennessee honored Maland, acknowledging the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty.
Green highlighted the immense gratitude owed to Maland for his nearly ten years of service, emphasizing the significant personal risks faced by those protecting the nation’s borders.
Minnesota state Representative Krista Knudsen, Maland’s cousin, shared that despite being offered several promotions, he chose to remain in the field.
Knudsen praised Maland’s courage and dedication to safeguarding his fellow Americans, affirming his legacy as a person who prioritized service above all else.
As the legal proceedings continue, Youngblut’s first court appearance has yet to be scheduled. The Associated Press has contributed additional information to this unfolding story.
2 Comments
Teresa Youngblut should face the death penalty and nothing less then life in prison without parole!
God rest U.S. Border Patrol agent David “Chris” Maland’s soul, and our beloved thanks with heartfelt appreciation for his dedication to service and this ultimate sacrifice he made!
Amen.
I favor “life in prison, without parole”. It is death by incarceration.