(CNN) -- A U.S. Border Patrol agent who was shot and killed Thursday night was responding to a potential incursion into the United States, authorities said. Agent Robert Rosas suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene around 9 p.m. in the Campo area in San Diego County, California, said Richard Barlow of the U.S. Border Patrol.
Barlow, speaking at a Friday news conference, said authorities did not have additional details about the incident, which he said occurred near the fence that separates the U.S. and Mexico. Other agents responded to the area and found Rosas, Barlow said.
Authorities said they believe more than one person was involved in the killing, said Keith Slotter, special agent in charge of the FBI's San Diego bureau. He said one of those involved may have been injured as well. Authorities weren't sure how the person's wound was caused but said they believe it was significant enough to draw blood, Slotter said.
He said the FBI has set up a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the killing. U.S. authorities are working closely with Mexican authorities, he said.
Barlow said Rosas leaves behind a wife and two small children -- a 2-year-old son and an 11-month-old daughter. The slain agent had been with the Border Patrol for three years, Barlow said.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano vowed to "find and bring to justice" those responsible for the killing. "This act of violence will not stand -- nor will any act of violence against the Border Patrol," she said in a written statement. |