Suspects in the Vermont killing of a Border Patrol agent were surveilled for days and had cellphones wrapped in foil.

 The FBI reported that a 21-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of an agent.

This undated image courtesy of Joan Maland shows U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland, who was killed Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, following a traffic stop in Vermont.

January 25, 2025, 4:08 AM

An arrest has been made in connection with the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland during a traffic stop in Vermont, the FBI announced. The arrest affidavit revealed unusual details about the suspects' movements leading up to the incident.

Teresa Youngblut, 21, of Washington state, was taken into custody on Friday and charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer, according to an FBI statement.

The affidavit, unsealed by investigators, provided new insights into the activities of Youngblut and Felix Baukholt, a German national who was killed during the shooting. Since January 14, authorities had been conducting intermittent surveillance on the pair after a fellow hotel guest in Lyndonville, Vermont, reported suspicious behavior. According to court documents, the guest observed the two dressed in black tactical-style clothing, with Youngblut visibly carrying a firearm in an exposed-carry holster.

Law enforcement attempted to engage the pair for a voluntary interview after receiving the tip, but Youngblut and Baukholt declined, claiming they were in the area to explore property purchases. Five days later, the two were seen in downtown Newport, Vermont, still dressed in tactical attire and visibly armed—a legal practice in Vermont.

On the day of the shooting, law enforcement observed the pair in a Walmart parking lot. Baukholt was seen purchasing and using aluminum foil to wrap cellphones, according to prosecutors. Border Patrol agents initiated a traffic stop on the suspects’ vehicle, citing an immigration violation as the pretext.

Between 3:00 and 3:15 p.m., gunfire erupted at the scene. According to the affidavit, Youngblut unexpectedly drew a handgun and fired at one of the agents from the driver’s side of the vehicle. Baukholt attempted to draw his firearm, prompting at least one Border Patrol agent to return fire with a service weapon. Both suspects were shot during the confrontation.

A search of the vehicle revealed a stockpile of weapons, tactical gear, and the foil-wrapped cellphones.

Officials noted that the agents involved had not yet been interviewed.

"Agent Maland served his country with honor, first as a member of the U.S. Air Force and later as a dedicated law enforcement officer," said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albany Field Office. "This arrest underscores our commitment to ensuring those who harm public servants are brought to justice."