Three Palestinian Students Shot in Burlington, Vermont, Police Say

Investigation Underway for Shooting Incident

Burlington, Vermont, police are currently investigating a shooting incident involving three 20-year-old men of Palestinian descent. The incident took place on Saturday when the victims were visiting the home of one of their relatives for Thanksgiving. According to the police, the victims were on Prospect Street when they were confronted by an armed white man who allegedly discharged multiple rounds without speaking. Two of the victims were shot in the torso, while one was shot in the lower extremities. The victims are receiving medical care, with two of them in stable condition and the third sustaining more serious injuries.

The suspect, who has not yet been identified, is believed to have fled on foot. At this time, there is no information regarding the motive behind the shooting. Burlington police chief Jon Murad has urged the public not to jump to conclusions based on incomplete information from uninvolved parties. While a hate crime is a potential motive, investigators are working to gather all the facts before making any conclusive determinations.

Victims and Their Backgrounds

Two of the victims were wearing keffiyehs, scarfs that symbolize Palestinian solidarity. Authorities have disclosed that two of the victims are U.S. citizens, while one is a legal resident. The victims have not been identified by name, but their families have confirmed their identities. Hisham Awartani, a student at Brown University, Kinnan Abdalhamid, a student at Haverford College, and Tahseen Ahmed, a student at Trinity College, were visiting Burlington for the Thanksgiving holiday. Their families are deeply concerned about their well-being and have called for a thorough investigation, including treating the incident as a hate crime.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has expressed its belief that the shooting was motivated by hate due to the victims' Arab identities. The surge in anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian sentiment in the U.S. is unprecedented, and incidents like this highlight the need for law enforcement to investigate and address these acts of violence. The ADC has offered support to the families of the victims and hopes for their full recovery.

Response and Calls for Justice

Various individuals and organizations have responded to the shooting with calls for justice and thorough investigation. The White House has been briefed on the incident, and President Biden is aware of the situation. Senator Bernie Sanders, a representative from Vermont, expressed his shock and distress over the shooting, emphasizing that hate has no place in society. He called for a comprehensive investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a prominent Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, has also condemned the shooting. CAIR describes the surge in anti-Arab and anti-Muslim bias incidents in the U.S. as unprecedented and alarming. They stress the importance of investigating this incident as a hate crime and providing support to the victims and their families.

As the investigation unfolds, Burlington police are committed to providing reliable and factual information to the public. Their priority is to identify, locate, and apprehend the suspect while ensuring the well-being of the victims. The incident serves as a reminder of the need to address and prevent acts of hate and discrimination.