A Thanksgiving holiday gathering near the University of Vermont turned tragic when three students of Palestinian descent became victims of a shocking shooting incident.
The Burlington Police Chief, Jon Murad, reported that the attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, leaving the victims injured. Two of them are in stable condition, but one is grappling with severe injuries.
Hisham Awartani from Brown University, Kinnan Abdalhamid from Haverford College, and Tahseen Ahmed from Trinity College bright young minds all fell victim to the assault. They were walking near a relative’s home when a white man, armed and unprovoked, fired at them.
Two of the students were even identified as wearing traditional Palestinian scarves at the time of the confrontation.
The incident, characterized by Murad as possibly hate-motivated, occurs amidst the charged atmosphere surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. This sentiment is echoed by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which highlighted that the victims were conversing in Arabic before being attacked.
University of Vermont urges vigilance against speculation
Various law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, are currently engaged in conducting the investigation. Regular briefings have been provided to the White House, ensuring President Biden stays informed and up-to-date regarding the ongoing situation.
At the same time, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has made public an offer of a monetary reward as an incentive for any valuable information that could aid in the arrest and subsequent conviction of the individual responsible for the shooting incident.
As the community grapples with this disturbing event, the University of Vermont has urged vigilance regarding the information circulating and cautioned against speculation.
Governor Phil Scott has offered full support to the investigation and the affected community, emphasizing the need for swift justice and a rapid recovery for the victims.
This tragic occurrence not only highlights the immediate need for justice but also exposes the growing tensions amid escalating violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
As demonstrations continue and concerns rise, the incident in Vermont serves as a stark reminder of the broader repercussions of ongoing global conflicts, resonating far beyond international borders.
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