JACUMBA, California.U.S. Border Patrol Chief Gregory K. Bovino said Thursday that authorities suspect a hiker in Jacumba, California, was attacked by cartel members after he was shot twice and strafed by gunfire.
The incident happened close to the small desert village along the border between the United States and Mexico, which has been the scene of cartel activities in recent years. “Cartels believe they can bring their war here,” said Bovino, who denounced the incident. Rethink your assumptions! The American people will not be intimidated. BORTAC and our agents will take on these threats head-on!
A suspected cartel of terrorists shot and killed an American hiker twice. California’s JacumbaCartels believe that this is where they can wage battle. Rethink your assumptions!The American people will not be intimidated. BORTAC and our operatives will take on these threats. GO FOR IT!8QpQ86RRpQ @CBPAMOpic.twitter.com
The hiker’s identity and condition were not immediately made public. The response and investigation are being led by U.S. Border Patrol agents and the agency’s specialist tactical squad, BORTAC.
Despite the fact that violent attacks against local citizens are uncommon, Jacumba has historically served as a crossing point for illicit activity because of its close proximity to the border. Whether the attackers acted from within U.S. territory or crossed the border is being investigated by authorities.
