Federal law enforcement officials are examining a gunfire exchange that occurred early Sunday morning at New Hampshire’s border with Canada, where an individual allegedly shot at a border patrol officer who fired back and wounded the attacker.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported the confrontation happened around 1 a.m. Sunday in Pittsburg, a small community of approximately 800 residents located at the Canadian border. Bureau officials have not released the identity of the alleged gunman, though they confirmed the individual is being treated at a medical facility.
The border patrol officer involved in the shooting was not injured during the encounter, according to an FBI representative. The gunfire occurred in this remote area that houses New Hampshire’s only international crossing point with Quebec, Canada.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed the confrontation happened close to the port of entry. The FBI’s Boston division will conduct the investigation alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Hampshire’s District.
“Initial reports indicate that the subject opened fire on the agent at which time the agent returned fire,” Scott said in a statement. “CBP is cooperating fully with investigators.”
Representatives from the FBI, CBP, and U.S. Attorney’s Office refused to share additional details about the alleged shooter or what circumstances preceded the gunfire exchange. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated in their announcement that more information would be made public if criminal charges are filed against the individual.
Pittsburg sits approximately 150 miles north of New Hampshire’s capital city, Concord. The community shares borders with Maine, Vermont, and Canada. The shooting occurred near this typically peaceful crossing point in New Hampshire’s sole town that adjoins Canada. The international boundary in this area extends for nearly 60 miles.
