Three Palestinian students were shot and injured near the University of Vermont on Saturday night, according to the Burlington Police Department. Two of the victims, both 20 years old, are in stable condition, while the third is facing more severe injuries. The incident occurred as they were on their way to a Thanksgiving dinner, with two of them wearing Palestinian keffiyeh scarves. The shooter fired at least four rounds, hitting all three students.
The victims, who attended a Quaker school in Ramallah, West Bank, now study at different U.S. colleges—Brown University, Haverford College, and Trinity College. The shooting is being investigated from various angles, including the possibility of it being a hate crime, given the current charged atmosphere surrounding Islamophobia and antisemitism, particularly in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas conflict. President Joe Biden, briefed on the incident, is receiving updates as law enforcement gathers more information.
The families of the victims are urging authorities to treat the shooting as a hate crime, emphasizing their children’s dedication to their studies and building their futures. The Burlington Police Department is actively pursuing all aspects of the investigation. Hate crimes fall under federal jurisdiction, and the FBI is examining the incident for evidence of a federal violation.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter. Senator Bernie Sanders expressed shock and deep concern about the incident, emphasizing that hate has no place anywhere and calling for a thorough investigation.