Palestinian College Student Describes Being Shot in Vermont
A Palestinian college student recounts the terrifying experience of being shot along with his friends in Vermont over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
The Shooting Incident
Kinnan Abdalhamid, a Palestinian college student, shared his harrowing account of being shot with his friends Hisham Awartani and Tahseen Ali Ahmad in Vermont on November 25. The trio was allegedly shot by a gunman while taking a walk in a Burlington neighborhood after spending time with family and friends.
Abdalhamid recalled how the shooter, who initially seemed to ignore them, suddenly turned around and opened fire without uttering a word. He witnessed his friends being shot one after the other, and managed to escape by jumping over a fence. Abdalhamid believes the attack was motivated by hate, as tensions rise amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Although Abdalhamid was also shot, he knocked on a neighbor's door to seek help and was eventually driven to the hospital after realizing the extent of his injuries. His two friends, however, sustained more severe injuries and remain hospitalized.
EMT Training and Quick Actions
Abdalhamid, who recently completed training as an emergency medical technician (EMT), utilized his medical knowledge to request immediate transportation to the hospital. Understanding that gunshot wound victims have a better chance of survival if they reach the hospital quickly, Abdalhamid urged those assisting him to drive him to the hospital, as he was losing consciousness.
Despite being shot himself, Abdalhamid's main concern was the wellbeing of his friends. He emphasized that his EMT training played a crucial role in his response to the incident and helped him make informed decisions to maximize their chances of survival.
Jason Eaton, the alleged shooter, has been charged with attempted murder and is currently in custody.
Possible Hate Crime Motivation
Abdalhamid and his friends believe that their Palestinian identity may have played a significant role in the attack. They point to the fact that they were wearing keffiyehs, traditional Palestinian scarves, during their walks through the neighborhood.
Burlington Police are investigating whether the attack was motivated by hate. They have considered the possibility that Eaton may have targeted the trio due to their ethnicity and solidarity with Palestinians.
While investigators have not yet reached a conclusion regarding the motive, Abdalhamid urges support for his friends' recovery and emphasizes the need for attention to their plight.
