A Border Patrol agent who was shot while on duty near Tucson, Ariz., Tuesday morning is expected to recover from his injuries, the Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday.
“I just spoke with the @CBP #BorderPatrol agent who was shot on Tuesday while defending our border. Fortunately he will recover from his injuries. To all the men and women of @DHSgov who put on a uniform each day to protect America – thank you for your sacrifice and dedication,” DHS Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen tweeted Thursday afternoon.
I just spoke with the @CBP #BorderPatrol agent who was shot on Tuesday while defending our border. Fortunately he will recover from his injuries. To all the men and women of @DHSgov who put on a uniform each day to protect America – thank you for your sacrifice and dedication.
— Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen) June 14, 2018
The unnamed agent was identified as a 21-year veteran of the federal agency based out of the Tucson Sector in southern Arizona.
Up until Thursday evening, CBP had not shared additional information about the agent’s medical condition.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed Wednesday he was shot around 4:30 a.m. PST while responding to a sensor report of foot activity near Ruby Road and Chimney Canyon, just south of Arivaca, Ariz. It is a rural and mountainous area a few miles north of the U.S.-Mexico boundary.
“The agent called for emergency assistance from his patrol vehicle’s service radio. Initial indications are that the agent was attacked by an unknown number of assailants, one of whom fired several shots at the agent in close proximity. The agent was struck several times and it is believed that he returned fire,” CBP said in a statement.
The agent is an “experienced paramedic” and was able to begin administering treatment on scene and call for help. The individual was taken by helicopter to a hospital.
A Border Patrol Tactical Unit responded to the incident and tracked down a group of suspects that may be connected with the attack.
The incident is being treated as an active shooting investigation by the FBI, CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Inspector General, and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
