SHOOTING LEAVES SUSPECT INJURED NEAR BORDER CROSSING
A confrontation at the quiet U.S.–Canada border in northern New Hampshire turned violent early Sunday when an armed man fired at a U.S. Border Patrol agent, prompting the agent to return fire and wound the suspect, authorities said. The incident unfolded around 1 a.m. in the remote town of Pittsburg, home to New Hampshire’s only official crossing with Quebec.
The injured man, identified as 26-year-old Blu Zeke Daly of Manchester, has been charged by federal prosecutors with attempted murder of a federal officer and assault with a deadly weapon, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Daly is under medical guard at a hospital while the case continues.
Officials confirmed that the Border Patrol agent involved was not hurt in the exchange of gunfire. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Hampshire are jointly investigating the circumstances that led to the shooting.
ENCOUNTER AT CLOSED PORT OF ENTRY SPARKS VIOLENCE
According to law enforcement statements, the agent first noticed Daly earlier on Saturday and followed him for a distance before the confrontation escalated at the closed Pittsburg Port of Entry. Surveillance in the area had been routine when the suspect allegedly turned and fired at the agent. In response, the agent fired back, striking Daly, authorities reported.
Pittsburg, with a population of about 800, lies roughly 150 miles north of the state capital of Concord and borders both Vermont and Maine in addition to Canada. The crossing is typically calm, making the early morning shooting rare for the region.
FEDERAL CHARGES, ONGOING INQUIRY
The charges against Daly carry the potential for significant prison time and fines if convicted, federal officials said. Prosecutors noted that more information may be released as the investigation advances and evidence is reviewed.
The FBI’s Boston field office is gathering evidence at the scene while Customs and Border Protection continues cooperation with federal authorities. Both the agent’s identity and additional details about the motive remain under review.
