The family of a Michigan man who was shot and killed after opening fire on federal agents in Texas is speaking out about his struggles with mental health.
Ryan Mosqueda, who recently lived near McAllen, Texas, with his father, reportedly fired dozens of rounds from an assault rifle at federal agents and a U.S. Border Patrol facility on Monday, July 7. The attack injured a police officer before authorities shot and killed Mosqueda.
His brother, Joe Mosqueda, who spoke on the condition that his face not be shown, said he never heard Ryan talk about immigration or ICE.
Ryan Mosqueda had no known criminal record.
“Out of the blue,” Joe said.“I don’t know if he was intentionally targeting, I don’t know. I believe it was mental health issues.”
Joe said his brother, who was single and last worked at a factory, began suffering from undiagnosed mental health problems about a year ago but refused to get help.
“He cut everyone out, he cut his friends out, he started shunning his family, I guess,” Joe said.
Hours before the attack, Mosqueda’s father told police he was looking for his son, who had psychological issues and was carrying weapons in his car.
“My brother left the house after he and my dad had had an argument,” Joe said.
Joe said he was texting his brother at the same time but received no response.
Police said Mosqueda wore a utility vest in addition to carrying a rifle when federal agents returned fire. Authorities said they found other weapons, ammunition, and backpacks inside his car.
“This is how everyone’s going to remember him. There’s nothing I can do to change anyone’s mind, and I understand that Ryan did what he did, and I don’t blame the Border Patrol agents. If someone was shooting at me, I would shoot back, too. I don’t want people to think I’m defending his actions, because I’m not. No one in my family defends his actions. We’re all ashamed,” Joe said.“Nobody in our family understands why he would do something like this.”
Three people were hurt in the shooting. The FBI is leading the investigation.