Republicans and Democrats expressed sorrow Tuesday after a Border Patrol agent was shot dead in Vermont while working near the Canadian border.

House Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, Tennessee Republican, said he was “heartbroken” by Monday’s slaying of Border Patrol Agent David Maland, 44, in northern Vermont.

“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to Agent Maland for nearly a decade of service protecting our communities in the force,” Mr. Green said in a statement. “We must never forget that the men and women in green on the frontlines of this border crisis defend our homeland at great personal cost.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders, Vermont independent, and Vermont Democrats Sen. Peter Welch and Rep. Becca Balint, also said in a joint statement that their “deepest condolences” go out to the Maland family.

“Border Patrol agents do important work protecting our borders. They deserve our full support in terms of staffing, pay and working conditions,” they said. “Together, we must do everything possible to prevent future tragedies like what happened today.”        

The FBI said Agent Maland was killed around 3:15 p.m. Monday in a shootout along Interstate 91 near Coventry.

One of the suspects was killed in the exchange, while another was wounded and taken into custody.

The FBI said it’s leading the investigation.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.