A suspect has been arrested in what police say have called the hate-motivated shooting of three college students of Palestinian descent in the US state of Vermont.Police in the city of Burlington arrested the 48-year-old suspect, identified as Jason J Eaton, on Sunday afternoon, according to US news reports.
The three victims, Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ahmed, were shot on Saturday evening near the University of Vermont’s campus. The students, who attend different universities in the US, remain hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
As more details of the attack emerge, police say they are investigating the shooting as a hate crime.
In this charged moment, no one can look at this incident and not suspect that it may have been a hate-motivated crime, Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad said in a statement.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) stated that upon learning of the details of the shooting, the organization had reason to believe [it] was motivated by the three victims being Arab.
According to the ADC’s tally of hate crimes over the past year, there has been a significant rise in targeted attacks against Arab and Muslim communities, the statement added.
The victims’ families and the broader Arab community in Vermont are left reeling amid safety concerns and the hope for justice.
I can’t believe something like this happened in our peaceful town. My son was simply celebrating Thanksgiving with his friends and now he’s fighting for his life, Awartani’s father said.
Authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and determine the motive behind the shooting, ensuring a thorough investigation.
We will explore all avenues, leaving no stone unturned, in our pursuit of justice for these innocent victims, Chief Murad emphasized.
Meanwhile, the university community has rallied together to support the wounded students and condemn the incident.
Our heartfelt prayers go out to the injured students and their families. We stand firmly against hate and violence, and we will provide any assistance necessary during this difficult time, University of Vermont President Suresh Garimella said in a statement.
In light of this tragic event, there have been calls for increased security measures and awareness surrounding hate crimes targeting marginalized communities.
It’s a painful reminder that bigotry and hate still exist. We need to come together as a society and ensure the safety and well-being of all our community members, said Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger.
The news of the arrest in this hate-motivated shooting brings a glimmer of hope for the victims and their families, who are now focused on the long road to recovery.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits justice and the healing process begins. Vermont, known for its tight-knit and welcoming communities, reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity and solidarity in the face of hate.
