FBI investigates border shooting near Peace Arch crossing in Blaine, Washington

A shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol agents near the Canada-U.S. border in Blaine, Wash., is under FBI investigation. The subject was injured; no agents were hurt.

Shooting near Peace Arch border crossing under FBI investigation

The FBI is leading a criminal investigation into a shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol agents near the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine, Washington, just south of Surrey, B.C., am800cklw.com reports.

The incident took place at approximately 5:30 a.m. Tuesday at the corner of 4th Street and A Street, roughly 100 metres from the crossing, according to the Blaine Police Department.

"No agents were reported injured," FBI spokesperson Amy Alexander said in an emailed statement to CTV News. "The subject was injured and transported to the hospital."

Alexander confirmed a firearm was recovered at the scene but did not specify how it was connected to the incident. "This was an isolated incident, and there is no danger to the public," she added.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed that an agent discharged his service weapon during an encounter with an individual near the border. The agency's office of professional responsibility is separately reviewing the agent's use of force, while the FBI handles the criminal investigation.

The Blaine Police Department posted a brief statement on social media asking for public patience while investigators work the scene, and directed all media inquiries to the FBI.

Local immigration lawyer Len Saunders, who has practiced in Blaine for 25 years, described the area where the shooting occurred as a known smuggling hotspot — a wooded strip running alongside the border frequently used by people attempting to cross illegally.

"There are lots of people who they catch, who usually sneak in through the park or sneak in through the bushes," Saunders said. "But it's very rare that you actually hear that someone is shot for an action like this."

The FBI said additional details would be released as the investigation progresses. The Canada Border Services Agency declined to comment, referring all inquiries to U.S. authorities.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)