BURLINGTON, VT (NCC NEWS) — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting of three students of Palestinian descent in Burlington, Vermont. The suspect, Jason J. Eaton, 48, was expected to be arraigned on Monday. The three men who were shot are all in their 20s and attend universities in the United States.
Burlington’s mayor said that the shooting is being investigated as a possible hate crime. The shooting took place on Saturday when a white man with a handgun shot them as the students were walking near the University of Vermont according to police. According to a family spokeswoman, the men told their family members that they were speaking both English and Arabic before they were shot four times without any warning by the man.
One of the victims has more serious injuries than the other two, who are in stable condition according to authorities. A search of Eaton’s home was completed and police said that the shooting happened in front of his apartment building. Local police on Sunday said that besides the students being of Palestinian descent, two of them were wearing a kaffiyeh. There was no further information on the suspect’s motivation for the shooting.
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said the following on X: “It is shocking and deeply upsetting that three young Palestinians were shot here in Burlington, VT. Hate has no place here, or anywhere. I look forward to a full investigation. My thoughts are with them and their families.”
President Biden was briefed on the situation of the students and would receive further updates, according to the White House.
