Federal authorities say the U.S. Border Patrol agent who fatally shot Richard Matt opened fire on the escaped murderer after he aimed a 20-gauge shotgun at the officer.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's statement released Thursday on the killing of the 49-year-old escapee is the first official indication that Matt aimed the weapon at officers before being shot. Officials had said the border agent opened fire after Matt failed to comply with commands to raise his hands.
Matt's body has been at a hospital in Malone since he was killed on June 26. His son has said he will claim his father's remains, and a funeral home in Plattsburgh said it will be receiving the body.
Matt and David Sweat broke out of Clinton Correctional Facility in northern New York on June 6. Matt was tracked down on June 26.
A Border Patrol tactical team flew to the scene and began searching a wooded area around 3:45 p.m. The agency says soon after, Matt was spotted lying down behind a fallen tree.
Sweat was tracked down three days later and was shot and wounded by police. He continues to recover at an Albany hospital, and is facing additional charges related to the escape.
Two prison workers -- including one who allegedly helped the men plot out the Hollywood-style escape and agreed to be their getaway driver and another who traded tools for Matt's artwork-- have been arrested in connection with the breakout.
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A dozen others, including the prison's superintendent, were placed on paid leave earlier this week.
