On Thursday, Larry Cosme, National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) – the nation’s largest non-partisan, non-for-profit professional association representing more than 31,000 federal law enforcement officers and agents across 65 federal agencies – released the following statement responding to news of a shooting injuring Customs and Border Protection Marine Operations Agents today:
“It is with extreme sorrow that we confirm the passing of at least one Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations Agent following a shooting this morning. We are also aware that a second agent is severely wounded and remains in the hospital fighting for their life. A third agent was also wounded in the attack and is in stable condition. Our thoughts are with the agents being treated as we hope for a full recovery. We are incredibly grateful for the medical attention the agents are receiving and will be closely monitoring the situation. As this story develops, our prayers are with the families and colleagues grappling with this tragedy,” FLEOA President Cosme said.
“The agents dutifully approached a vessel off the coast of Puerto Rico believed to be carrying controlled substances when the gun fire broke out. This is an important reminder of the violence associated with drug trafficking and the lethal lengths smugglers will go to protect their supply. Unfortunately, we are seeing a steady increase in drug smuggling via boats in the Caribbean. CBP personnel, particularly the Air and Marine Operations division, are on the front lines of countering these criminals. They are doing incredible work in a dangerous job, and we commend all Air and Marine Operations for their dedication to public safety. We ask that you take a moment of silence today in recognition of our fallen agent and offer an invocation of hope for the agents still fighting for their lives,” Cosme concluded.