US border patrol agent shot, killed in Vermont south of border, officials say [Video]

COVENTRY, Vt. — A U.S. Border Patrol agent was fatally shot Monday in northern Vermont south of the Canadian border, authorities said.

The death was confirmed by Benjamine Huffman, acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security in Washington.

Huffman said the death occurred “in the line of duty.” The identity of the agent, who was assigned to the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector, was not immediately released. The sector encompasses Vermont and parts of New York and New Hampshire.

Neither Huffman or Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided additional details.

Vermont State Police said the shooting happened Monday afternoon on Interstate 91 in Coventry, about 20 miles (32 km) from the Canadian border. State police officers were assisting federal authorities including the FBI and Homeland Security.

A portion of the highway was closed in both …