Gunman Wounds 2 Customs Officials, Is Shot to Death
A gunman opened fire inside a U.S.-Mexico border crossing office Thursday, wounding two U.S. Customs inspectors before being shot dead, authorities said.
The inspectors’ injuries were not life-threatening, and both were in stable condition at the El Centro Regional Medical Center, said hospital spokeswoman Shirley Dole.
Dole, who refused to confirm their names, said one underwent surgery and the other will be transported to San Diego for treatment.
The suspect was shot in the head, apparently by federal officers, and died at the scene, said customs spokeswoman Bobbie Cassidy. Officials refused to disclose his nationality or speculate about a motive.
The shooting occurred about 9:30 a.m. inside the Calexico Port of Entry, where vehicles and pedestrians are inspected to make sure they are not carrying illegal drugs or weapons into the United States.
Residents who live near the busy border crossing said they were not surprised by the shooting.
“It’s getting more and more violent every day,” said Frances Diaz, who joined hundreds who watched the police activity Thursday. “There are more people with guns and more illegals coming over causing problems and robbing people.”
Calexico, in the Imperial Valley, is about 120 miles east of San Diego.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
