FBI investigates – The FBI identified Nathanial A. Muniz-Spry, 39, of Everson, as the victim shot and injured by a U.S. Border Patrol agent near Blaine, Washington, on June 16. Muniz-Spry was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, and federal agents say the incid
A morning shooting in Blaine, Washington set off a rapid federal response—FBI agents moved into the scene while U.S. Customs and Border Protection began a use-of-force review after a Border Patrol agent discharged a weapon.
Department of Justice officials identified the injured victim as Nathanial A. Muniz-Spry, a 39-year-old Washington resident from Everson. The shooting occurred on the morning of June 16 near the Washington-Canada border, authorities said.
The incident is under investigation by the FBI, with agents working at the corner of 4th Street and A Street in Blaine, a small town a few hundred yards from Canada. Blaine sits between Peace Arch Historical State Park and State Route 543, two official crossing sites along the U.S.-Canadian border.
Muniz-Spry, who was injured and transported to a local hospital, had been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities also recovered a firearm at the scene, describing the event as an “isolated incident.” Federal officials said there continues to be no threat to the public.
FBI spokesperson information released on June 16 said the facts of the incident are being actively investigated and that no additional details were available at that time. The spokesperson also confirmed that no agents were reported injured.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed through a spokesperson that a CBP agent discharged his weapon during an “encounter” on Tuesday morning. Multiple agencies responded to the scene in Blaine. including the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. the City of Blaine Police Department. CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility. and the FBI. with federal investigators leading the inquiry while CBP performs its use-of-force review.
Muniz-Spry is expected to appear in federal court in Seattle on Wednesday afternoon.
The town at the center of the investigation is the northernmost in the western edge of Washington and one of the last major stops travelers pass through on the way to Canada. Blaine is about an hour south of Vancouver. B.C. and roughly two hours north of Seattle. with a population of around 6. 370 people based on 2024 U.S. Census data.
Blaine Washington FBI investigation Border Patrol shooting Nathanial A. Muniz-Spry Everson resident U.S.-Canada border use of force review federal court Seattle