The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the culprits in Thursday's shooting death of a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Eastern San Diego County.
Agent Robert Rosas, Jr., 30, was in the remote area near the border fence when the shooting occurred, according to the LA Times. It was the first killing of a Border Patrol agent in 10 years.
Authorities say they believe several people participated in the struggle, and that Rosas apparently died outside his vehicle.
In a statement Friday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said she is devoting full resources to bringing the gunmen to justice.
"I want to commend those in the law enforcement and first responder community in Southern California for so quickly responding to the scene and attempting to save Agent Rosas' life," she said. "His death is a vivid reminder that we are engaged in a serious effort to secure our border and that thousands of Border Patrol agents and other DHS employees risk their lives every single day to protect and defend our nation."
Authorities on Mexico's side of the border are also searching for suspects.
Authorities believe one of the suspects was seriously injured in the struggle and is seeking medical help in either Mexico or the United States, according to the Associated Press.
The AP reported that Rosas had gone out to check on a suspicious group, and had radioed in for some backup. When he arrived, the group scattered, and he followed some of the suspects. Other agents said they heard gunshots shortly after losing radio contact with Rosas around 9 p.m. They later found Rosas, who had been shot in the head, according to the AP.
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