Quick Read
- Ryan Louis Mosqueda, a 27-year-old Michigan man, opened fire at a U.S. Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas, on July 7, 2025.
- The shootout left three people injured, including a police officer, before Mosqueda was killed by law enforcement.
- The attack caused disruptions at McAllen International Airport, which was temporarily shut down.
- The FBI is leading the investigation, with no known motive yet identified.
On the early morning of July 7, 2025, Ryan Louis Mosqueda, a 27-year-old man from Michigan, opened fire at the U.S. Border Patrol station in McAllen, Texas. Armed with an assault rifle and tactical gear, Mosqueda fired dozens of rounds at the federal building located near McAllen International Airport. Local police and federal agents returned fire, ultimately killing the shooter in a dramatic confrontation that left multiple officers injured.
The Incident Unfolds
According to McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez, the attack began shortly before 6 a.m. when Mosqueda arrived at the Border Patrol station in a vehicle bearing Michigan license plates. Reports from Reuters indicate that the suspect was reported missing just hours earlier from an address in Weslaco, Texas, approximately 18 miles from McAllen. Mosqueda fired numerous rounds at the building but was unable to breach its entrance. Officers at the scene quickly responded, engaging in a shootout that ended with Mosqueda being “neutralized.”
The attack caused significant disruption to the area. McAllen International Airport, located across the street from the Border Patrol station, was temporarily shut down. Flights were delayed, and access to the terminal and parking lot was restricted as authorities secured the scene. A statement from the City of McAllen advised travelers to contact their airlines for updates, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Casualties and Immediate Aftermath
During the shootout, three individuals were injured, including McAllen Police Officer Ismael Garcia, a 10-year veteran of the department, who sustained a gunshot wound to his knee. The other two injured were a Border Patrol employee and another police officer. All were taken to a nearby hospital and are reportedly in stable condition.
Authorities discovered additional ammunition and weaponry in Mosqueda’s vehicle, along with spray-painted writing whose meaning remains unclear. Despite the alarming nature of the attack, Chief Rodriguez reassured the public that there was no ongoing threat in the area. The FBI has since taken over the investigation due to the involvement of federal officers and facilities, as noted by Washington Times.
Motives and Broader Implications
As of now, the motive behind Mosqueda’s actions remains unknown. Chief Rodriguez emphasized the need for further investigation, stopping short of labeling the incident as an act of terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement confirming the attack and highlighting the collaborative efforts of local police and Border Patrol agents in neutralizing the shooter.
This incident comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding U.S. immigration policies and border security. According to Times Now, the event follows a series of violent confrontations involving federal immigration and border agents, which have increased in recent years. The attack has reignited debates over the safety of federal officers and the rhetoric surrounding immigration enforcement.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting, examining Mosqueda’s background, possible connections to the area, and the contents of his vehicle. The agency has not ruled out any possibilities, including whether the attack was ideologically motivated. Meanwhile, local authorities continue to assess the security protocols at federal facilities in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The tragic events in McAllen underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement and federal agencies in ensuring public safety amid growing tensions. As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain about what led Ryan Louis Mosqueda to carry out this violent act and how such incidents can be prevented in the future.

