A man was fatally shot following a gunfire exchange with U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in southern Texas, as reported by the Department of Homeland Security.
The McAllen Police Department received a report of gunshots near the U.S. Border Patrol McAllen Station at approximately 5:53 a.m., according to an FBI statement. Consequently, the police informed the FBI’s San Antonio division and promptly arrived at the scene.
“The suspect, an armed adult male, confronted the law enforcement officers who were responding to the situation, leading to a return of fire,” stated the FBI, which also noted that an officer was injured during the exchange and taken to a local hospital for medical care.
The officer is in stable condition, the statement added.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, the suspect opened fire at the entrance of the federal government building, and border patrol agents and local police “helped neutralize the shooter.”
A border patrol employee and two officers were injured in the shooting, according to Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, who added that one of them was shot in the knee. All were taken to a hospital.
The incident is not an active shooter situation and there is no threat to public safety, according to the FBI.
“However, out of an abundance of caution, the FBI asks that the public avoid the area if possible,” the FBI said. “The FBI is the lead investigative agency, and we will continue working with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure the safety of this community.”
A motive is not clear at this time.
McAllen International Airport resumed full operations Monday afternoon “following a temporary closure due to off-airport safety concerns,” the city of McAllen said in a Facebook post.
“We appreciate the community’s patience as we prioritized safety during the closure,” McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
