A tragic incident unfolded on Monday morning in McAllen, Texas, when a 27-year-old man was shot and killed after he opened fire at a U.S. Border Patrol facility. The suspect, identified as Ryan Louis Mosqueda, was armed with an assault rifle and was wearing a utility vest at the time of the incident, according to McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez.
The shooting began around 5:50 a.m., when law enforcement received reports of gunfire at the facility located near McAllen International Airport. As a safety precaution, the airport was temporarily shut down. Chief Rodriguez stated that Mosqueda fired dozens of rounds during the confrontation, prompting federal agents to return fire.
After the incident, authorities discovered a second rifle, additional ammunition, and backpacks that belonged to Mosqueda at the scene. Although one officer sustained injuries during the exchange, Rodriguez mentioned that it remains unclear whether the injuries were caused by shrapnel or a bullet.
While the investigation is still ongoing, the motive behind Mosqueda's attack is currently unknown. Chief Rodriguez noted that Mosqueda drove to the facility in a white two-door sedan, which had something written on it, possibly in Latin. However, the significance of this writing and its potential connection to the attack remains uncertain.
Authorities revealed that Mosqueda had an address linked to Michigan but was reported missing from a location in Weslaco, Texas, approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) from the Border Patrol facility. He was reported missing around 4 a.m. on Monday, just over an hour before the shooting occurred. Rodriguez commented on the timeline, indicating the rapid transition from being reported missing to engaging in a violent act against federal agents.
As the situation develops, the FBI has taken over the investigation into the shooting incident. Chief Rodriguez stated that further details regarding the missing person report, including who filed it and the circumstances surrounding it, have yet to be disclosed.
This incident raises serious questions about security at federal facilities and the state of mental health support available for individuals who may be in crisis. As more information becomes available, it will be crucial for the community and authorities to address these pressing issues effectively.
