Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry

Border Patrol Agent Brian A. Terry

United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, U.S. Government

End of Watch Wednesday, December 15, 2010

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Brian A. Terry

Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was shot and killed near Rio Rico, Arizona, while attempting to apprehend a group of armed subjects. The suspects had been preying on illegal immigrants, bringing in drugs with the intent to rob them after they sold the drugs.

Agent Terry and several other agents were attempting to arrest the group when shots were exchanged between the suspects and agents. Agent Terry was struck in the pelvis by a round fired by a suspect armed with an AK-47.

He was flown to a hospital where he succumbed early the following morning.

One of the subjects who was wounded in the shootout was taken into custody at the scene and charged with murder. Four other subjects fled the scene and were believed to have returned to Mexico. One of the four fugitives was arrested by Mexican authorities in September 2012.

On October 30th, 2012, the subject who was wounded in the initial shootout pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. A total of six subjects were convicted of crimes in connection to Agent Terry's murder and sentenced to life. The seventh suspect, leader of the group, was extradited from Mexico to Arizona in 2020. On September 21, 2022, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to 77 years.

Agent Terry was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the United States Border Patrol for 3 1/2 years. He had previously served as a police officer with the Lincoln Park, Michigan, Police Department. He is survived by his parents, brother, two sisters, five nieces, and one nephew.

He is buried in Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock, Wayne County, Michigan.

Bio

  • Age 40
  • Tour 3 years, 5 months
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Arizona
  • Incident Date Tuesday, December 14, 2010
  • Weapon Rifle; AK-47
  • Offender Seven suspects convicted

illegal alien, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

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Lord Jesus, as we watch America’s Peace Officers succumb to the wicked and evil in this world, Shot and Killed in the Line-of-Duty, it becomes difficult for us to pick up and move forward. Our communities are on the brink of exploding with tension. In light of the peace officers who are no longer with us, I pray for endurance for our communities and law enforcement agencies. Carry us through this time of strife, that through our struggles, our bonds may grow even more unbreakable. In Your mighty and holy name, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scriptures on Law Enforcement’s Mission:

“For the policeman [peace officer] does not frighten people who are doing right; but those doing evil will always fear him. So if you don’t want to be afraid, keep the laws and you will get along well. The policeman [peace officer] is sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for he [the peace officer] will have you punished. He [the peace officer] is sent by God for that very purpose. Obey the laws, then, for two reasons: first, to keep from being punished, and second, just because you know you should.” [Romans 13:3-5 TLB]

[Jesus Said,] “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [John 15:13 ESV]

And he [Jesus] said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” [Luke 23:43 ESV]

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Ordained Christian Global Outreach Minister No. 36526
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry

January 9, 2024

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