Arizona Border Patrol Agent Killed in Shootout

Bandits shot and killed a member of the Tucson Border Patrol's swat team in a violent confrontation overnight in Arizona, the Arizona Daily Star reports. Agent Brian Terry, 40, was patrolling an area known to be used frequently by drug- and people-smugglers when he was killed. Authorities said so-called "bandits"—criminals who rob smugglers crossing the border—were responsible for the killing.

"This is the biggest scum that you are going to run up against," said an agents' union official. Four suspects are in custody and a fifth is at large, notes USA Today. "The entire state of Arizona is shocked and saddened by the shooting death," said Gov. Jan Brewer. "This tragedy serves as stark notice that the threats facing all who serve in protecting our state and nation are real, and are increasing on a daily basis." Click here for background on the victim and his unit.
(More Arizona stories.)