Crime
18-Year-Old Accused of Shooting ATF Agent, Leaving Him Paralyzed
Chicago, IL – An 18-year-old is facing serious charges after allegedly shooting an agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), leaving the officer paralyzed. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about escalating violence against law enforcement.
The shooting occurred during an operation in the Chicago area, where federal agents were conducting an investigation. According to reports, the suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, opened fire on the agent. The injured officer was rushed to a hospital, where doctors confirmed he sustained life-altering injuries.
Authorities have apprehended the suspect, who now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder of a federal officer and assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted, the 18-year-old could face decades in prison.
“This tragic incident underscores the dangers faced by our federal agents every day,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “We are committed to seeking justice for our injured colleague and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”
The wounded agent, whose name has also been withheld, has been described as a dedicated professional with years of service. Fellow officers and community members have expressed their support, launching fundraisers to aid his recovery and assist his family during this challenging time.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating gun violence and organized crime. Chicago, in particular, has seen a rise in violent incidents in recent years, prompting calls for stricter gun control measures and increased resources for police and federal agencies.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Teresa Youngblut faces federal firearm charges linked to the death of Agent David Maland.
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Teresa Youngblut, a 21-year-old woman from the Seattle area, has entered a not guilty plea to federal firearm charges related to the fatal shooting of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland in Vermont this January.
Youngblut is accused of using a deadly weapon to assault a Border Patrol agent and discharging a firearm during the incident. The charges stem from a traffic stop in northern Vermont that escalated into a shootout, resulting in the deaths of Agent Maland and Youngblut’s companion, Felix Bauckholt, a German citizen.
During a hearing in Burlington on Friday, Youngblut was ordered to remain in custody. Her next court appearance is set for May 8.
Investigators have revealed that the firearm used in the Vermont shooting was purchased by an individual linked to the December 31, 2022, murders of Richard and Rita Zajko in Chester Heights, Pennsylvania. Court documents filed by U.S. Attorney Michael Drescher indicate that Youngblut and the gun buyer were in regular contact with a person of interest detained in connection with the Pennsylvania case, who is also being investigated for a separate homicide in California.
Youngblut, a graduate of the prestigious Lakeside School in north Seattle, had filed for a marriage license in November with Maximilian Snyder. Snyder, who also attended Lakeside School, is currently facing charges for the fatal stabbing of a man in northern California.
According to the FBI, Youngblut and Bauckholt had been under surveillance for several days prior to the January 20 shootout. Prior to the incident, the pair had been renting separate units in the same Chapel Hill, North Carolina, neighborhood. The property owner, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, stated that Bauckholt initially rented a unit through Airbnb in July 2023 before moving to a second unit later that year. Youngblut began renting the original unit in November 2024 and had paid nearly $10,000 to extend her stay through March.
The case continues to unfold as authorities investigate the connections between the Vermont shooting and other violent crimes across the country.