Emergency responders treat the suspect identified by federal prosecutors charged Nathaniel Anthony Muniz-Spry, 39, of Everson with being a felon in possession of a firearm following Tuesday's Border Patrol shooting in Blaine. (Photo: PNW DAILY)
BLAINE, Wash. — Federal prosecutors have identified the man wounded in Tuesday’s Border Patrol shooting as 39-year-old Nathaniel Anthony Muniz-Spry of Everson.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington announced Wednesday that prosecutors charged Muniz-Spry with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to federal authorities, Muniz-Spry survived the shooting and received medical treatment following the encounter with Border Patrol agents in Blaine. In the PNW Daily video, the suspect was shot in the left leg.
The criminal charge stems from allegations that Muniz-Spry possessed a firearm despite a prior felony conviction that prohibited him from legally possessing one.
Court documents detailing the circumstances of the encounter had not been released at the time of publication.
Federal Court Appearance Scheduled
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed Wednesday that Muniz-Spry will appear at 2:00 p.m. for a hearing on the federal criminal complaint. The appearance will take place on the 12th floor of the federal courthouse in Seattle, where the complaint will be sworn at that time.
Emily Langlie, Communications Director for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, confirmed the details in a statement to PNW Daily.
“Nathaniel A. Muniz-Spry, 39, of Everson, Washington will appear at 2:00 PM on a federal criminal complaint charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The appearance will be on the 12th floor of the federal courthouse in Seattle, and the complaint will be sworn at that time.”
— Emily Langlie, Communications Director, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington
Investigation Remains Active
The FBI continues to lead the criminal investigation into the shooting, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting a separate review of the agent’s use of force.
Federal investigators have not yet publicly released a complete account of the events that led to the shooting.
Security footage reviewed by PNW Daily provides one view of the timeline before the encounter. However, investigators have not publicly confirmed several key details, including why Muniz-Spry was in the area, whether the white van seen in surveillance footage was connected to the incident, or what prompted the confrontation with Border Patrol agents.
Authorities are also reviewing additional evidence, including surveillance footage from both sides of the U.S.-Canada border.
As a result, some facts and timelines could change as investigators complete interviews, analyze video evidence and review forensic findings.
PNW Daily will continue updating this developing story as federal authorities release additional information through court filings and official statements. For previous coverage, see Video Reveals Timeline Before Border Patrol Shooting in Blaine and Border Patrol Agent Shoots Armed Suspect in Blaine Tuesday.
Editor’s Note: This remains a developing story. Information currently comes from official statements, witness accounts, security footage and preliminary investigative findings. Federal investigators have not yet released a complete narrative of the incident, and some details may change as the investigation progresses.
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What led the authorities to identify the suspect? Seems like a serious situation.
He’s a repeat felon and his fingerprints were an instant hit.