Three Palestinian American college students were severely wounded during a stroll in Vermont over the weekend, as a man shot them at close proximity on a city street. Authorities are currently probing this incident as a potential hate crime, revealed on Monday.
Jason J. Eaton, 48, had his first court appearance via video from jail, facing three charges of attempted murder. On his behalf, a plea of not guilty was entered during Monday’s proceedings, and he has been ordered to be held without bail. Three Palestinian American
The U.S. Department of Justice, along with Vermont authorities, were investigating whether Saturday’s shooting was a hate crime amid an increase in threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities across the U.S. since the Israel-Hamas war began, Attorney General Merrick Garland said. “There is understandable fear in communities across the country,” he said. American college students
The trio, all aged 20, were on their Thanksgiving break in Burlington, taking a leisurely stroll as they visited a relative of one of the victims. During their walk, they encountered a white man brandishing a handgun, according to the police.
“They stated that the person had not made any comments to them and had merely approached them while they were walking down the street, essentially minding their own business,” Burlington Police Chief Jon Murad told reporters.