Suspect shot by Border Patrol after opening fire on agents and federal helicopter in Arizona, authorities say

One person was critically injured Tuesday in Arivaca, Arizona, during a shooting involving U.S. Border Patrol after what an FBI spokesperson described as an “alleged assault on a federal officer.”

The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. near milepost 15 of West Arivaca Road, located near the U.S.–Mexico border. Federal agents were trying to detain the man — identified as 34-year-old Patrick Gary Schlegel — when he opened fire at a Border Patrol helicopter, the FBI said, according to the Associated Press.

The agents fired back, injuring the Arizona man, who was later transported to a hospital in critical condition by the Santa Rita Fire District. He was recovering from surgery as of Tuesday night.

Authorities said the man has a criminal history, including possessing a warrant for escape tied to a smuggling conviction. He is expected to be charged criminally.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is working with the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection as the investigation continues.

Further details about how the shooting began and whether any federal officers were injured have not been released.

The Independent has contacted ICE, Border Patrol and the White House for comment.

The shooting comes amid growing tensions across the country following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis during operations by Border Patrol and ICE.

This month, federal immigration officers in Minneapolis shot and killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in separate incidents, sparking large protests and public outcry.

The killings have drawn national attention as protesters and legal observers confront enforcement actions they view as excessive, while the Trump administration has publicly defended the officers’ actions.

The incidents have fueled increased criticism of the Department of Homeland Security, including calls to fire or impeach Secretary Kristi Noem. Since September, federal immigration officers have shot 12 people amid expanded DHS deportation operations across the country.

Tuesday afternoon, President Donald Trump told reporters, "I think she's doing a very good job,” when asked if Noem would step down as a result of the violence arising from protesters clashing with federal agents in Minneapolis.

Meanwhile, First Lady Melania Trump called for unity and peaceful protesting in Minneapolis during a morning appearance on “Fox & Friends” to promote her upcoming documentary Melania.

“I’m calling for unity. I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor, and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots. I’m against the violence, so please, if you protest, protest in peace. And we need to unify in this time,” Melania Trump said.