A 26-year-old Manchester man is facing federal charges after authorities say he opened fire on a U.S. Border Patrol agent near the Canadian border early Sunday morning.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight near the Pittsburg Port of Entry, a remote crossing in northern New Hampshire that connects to Quebec. According to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, the encounter began late Saturday night when the driver — identified as Blu Zeke Daly, who also goes by Cullan Zeke Daly — was approached by a Border Patrol agent during a roadside interaction.
Officials said the agent asked Daly whether he used any other names. Daly then drove away from the scene, and the agent followed.
Authorities say Daly eventually arrived at the Pittsburg Port of Entry. At that hour, the crossing was closed and the gate secured. When the agent activated emergency lights and stepped out of the patrol vehicle, Daly allegedly turned and fired a gun in the agent’s direction.
The agent returned fire, striking Daly, according to the release.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a statement that initial reports indicate Daly fired first, prompting the agent to respond. He added that the agency is cooperating fully with investigators.
Daly was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and remained under guard as of Tuesday. Officials have not released details about his medical condition.
The Border Patrol agent involved has not been publicly identified. Authorities have not indicated whether the agent sustained injuries.
Federal prosecutors have charged Daly with one count of attempted murder of a federal officer and one count of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. If convicted, each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The FBI is leading the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen.
Pittsburg, located in Coös County, is one of New Hampshire’s northernmost communities and sees regular federal law enforcement activity due to its proximity to the Canadian border. The investigation remains ongoing.
