A Minnesota-born U.S. Border Patrol agent killed in the line of duty last month was buried at Fort Snelling on Saturday.
David Christopher “Chris” Maland, 44, was killed Jan. 20 while working in Vermont. He pulled over a car about 20 miles south of the border with Canada, believing one of the two passengers had an expired visa. One of the passengers opened fire; the other allegedly also drew a gun, according to an FBI affidavit.
Maland was fatally shot in the exchange. One of the passengers in the car, Felix Baukholt, was also killed.
On Saturday, Maland was buried with full military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery during a funeral attended by family, friends, community members and Border Patrol agents from around the country.
“Chris was a dedicated agent who served with honor and bravery,” his family wrote in his obituary. “He had a tremendous respect and pride for the work he did: he truly embodied service over self.”
Maland was born in Blue Earth and grew up in Fairmont. He was an Air Force veteran and worked security at the Pentagon, where he was stationed during the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff Saturday in Maland’s honor.
Related Articles
Ramsey County Judge Patrick Diamond, who ruled on Data Practices violations, transgender discrimination cases, dies at 64
Dan Endy Sr., co-founder of NFL Films and Twin Cities sports fixture, has died
Obituary: Artist and longtime Stillwater prison teacher William Murray, 76, transformed pain into painting
Hastings school board member, supper club co-owner Jenny Wiederholt-Pine dies at 44
Family remembers Minnesota native killed in Washington, D.C. airplane crash
“Minnesota recognizes Maland’s dedicated service and sacrifice, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” Walz said in a statement.
The FBI has arrested and charged a Washington state woman in connection with Maland’s death. Teresa Youngblut, 21, faces federal firearms charges. She was the surviving passenger in the car involved in the shooting; the FBI affidavit alleges she opened fire first. Both people in the car belonged to a group called the Zizians that may be linked to six deaths in three states, investigators said.
This report includes information from the Associated Press.
Leave a Reply