Hate Crime Shakes Burlington: Palestinian Students Targeted in Shocking Shooting Incident

In a disturbing incident that unfolded on a Saturday night in Vermont, three Palestinian college students fell victim to a senseless act of violence while walking home from dinner. The Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee has labeled the incident as a hate crime, shedding light on the rising tensions faced by the Arab and Palestinian communities.

The victims, identified as 20-year-olds Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdel Hamid, and Tahseen Ahmed, were targeted as they strolled along Prospect Street in Burlington. The Burlington Police Department reported that the assailant, described as a white male, approached the students who were wearing keffiyeh scarves and conversing in Arabic. Without uttering a word, the suspect discharged at least four rounds from a handgun before fleeing the scene on foot.

Chief Jon Murad of the Burlington Police Department stated, "Preliminary investigation has determined that all three were visiting the home of one victim's relatives in Burlington for the Thanksgiving holiday." The victims, two of whom were treated at the scene before being transported to the University of Vermont Medical Center, were found to be wearing keffiyehs at the time of the assault.

While authorities are still piecing together the details of the incident, Chief Murad acknowledged the possibility of a hate-motivated crime in the current charged atmosphere. He has engaged with federal investigatory and prosecutorial partners in anticipation of potential developments.

Abed A. Ayoub, National Director of the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee, emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident. "Given the information collected and provided, it is clear that hate was a motivating factor in this shooting," said Ayoub, urging law enforcement to treat it as such. He expressed concern about the surge in anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian sentiment and highlighted this incident as another distressing example of hate turning violent.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has taken a proactive step by offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter. As the police continue their investigation, it has been reported that two of the victims are in stable condition, while the third has sustained more serious injuries.

The targeted students, attending various U.S. universities, include Awartani from Brown University, Hamid from Haverford University, and Ahmed from Trinity College. The Haverford University community expressed solidarity with Kinnan Abdel Hamid, one of their own, as he recovers from a gunshot wound. The university awaits updates from the ongoing police investigation to determine whether the incident will be treated as a hate crime.

This shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address the alarming rise in hate crimes and discrimination faced by marginalized communities.