Ryan Louis Mosqueda, 27, has been identified as the gunman who opened fire outside a U.S. Border Patrol annex in McAllen, Texas, early Monday morning. Authorities say he was wearing a utility vest and armed with a rifle when he shot at agents exiting the facility, wounding a police officer before being fatally shot by law enforcement.
Key Details About the Shooting and Suspect
1. Suspect Identified as 27-Year-Old With Ties to Michigan and Texas
Mosqueda was linked to a Michigan residence but had recently been reported missing from Weslaco, Texas, located roughly 20 miles east of the McAllen facility. His father had contacted police just hours earlier, expressing concern that his son, who had a history of mental health struggles, was armed and unstable.
2. Arrived in a Marked Sedan with Unusual Symbols
Mosqueda drove a white two-door sedan, marked with what appeared to be Latin lettering on the driver’s side door. Law enforcement later recovered ammunition, multiple firearms, and backpacks from the vehicle.
3. Opened Fire Just Before 6 A.M.
At around 5:50 a.m., Mosqueda began shooting at federal agents and local officers outside the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector Annex, just north of the U.S.–Mexico border. His attack resulted in one injury.
4. Police Officer Shot During Exchange
McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia, a 10-year veteran of the department, was shot in the knee during the gunfire exchange. He is currently recovering and expected to survive. Local authorities praised his response under pressure.
5. Suspect Killed at the Scene
Law enforcement returned fire, fatally wounding Mosqueda at the scene. He was found wearing a tactical-style utility vest and armed with a high-powered rifle. No other injuries were reported among border agents.
Father Raised Red Flags Before Shooting
According to the Weslaco Police Department, Mosqueda’s father had flagged down an officer around 2:30 a.m. Monday, saying he was searching for his son, who was experiencing a mental health crisis and was likely carrying a weapon. Despite efforts to locate him, the attack occurred just three hours later.
Authorities React
“Incidents like these remind us of the constant vigilance required to keep our community safe,” McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said at a press briefing.
An investigation is ongoing, and officials have not yet determined a motive for the attack.
