Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott issued the following statement Sunday in response to the shooting of three Palestinian students in Burlington. All three were shot while walking on North Prospect Street by an unknown person for an unknown reason, police said. All three are expected to survive and one victim is in more serious condition than the others.
Seven Days reported Monday morning that Jason J. Eaton, who police said lives in the building in front of which the shooting occurred, was expected to be arraigned on Monday morning. Charges were not immediately announced.
Scott said: “The shooting of three students of Palestinian descent in Burlington last night is a tragedy, and I hope each of them make a full recovery from their injuries. My thoughts are with them and their families. I have offered the State’s full support to the Mayor and Burlington Police Chief as this senseless crime is investigated, and in support of the Palestinian and broader Burlington community. Our federal partners also stand ready to assist.
“I urge Vermonters to unite to help the community heal, and not let this incident incite more hate or divisiveness. We must come together in these difficult times – it is the only way to put a stop to the violence we’re seeing.”
Seven Days: Three Victims in Burlington Shooting Were of Palestinian Descent
Man Charged With Shooting Three Students of Palestinian Descent in Burlington
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said: “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.”
Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) released the following statement on the Saturday, November 25th shooting in Burlington, Vermont:
“The senseless shooting of three Palestinian-American students in Burlington last night is heartbreaking. Margaret and I send our thoughts to these young men and their families during this difficult time, and hope that each student makes a full recovery from this heinous act of violence.
“We condemn hate and Islamophobia—this is not reflective of our Vermont values and our belief in community. The past seven weeks of conflict in the Middle East have brought an alarming spike in Islamophobic incidents across the United States, and underscores the necessity of supporting our Muslim community. This cycle of fear, intimidation, and violence must end. It is unacceptable.
“It is my expectation that law enforcement will quickly identify the shooter, and I will continue to monitor this situation. My office is in contact with the Department of Justice and FBI, and will work to ensure our local and state law enforcement’s investigation is supported by federal authorities as they investigate this shooting as a possible hate crime.
“As Vermonters, we must come together to help our community heal from this tragic attack and unite against discrimination and hate.”
Area rabbis' statement (Rabbi David Edleson, Temple Sinai; Rabbi Aaron Philmus, Ohavi Zedek Synagogue; Rabbi Jan Salzman, Congregation Ruach haMaqom): "We are saddened and appalled by the shooting of three Palestinian American college students that took place on Saturday, November 25 in Burlington. Our hearts go out to these young men and their loved ones and to the Vermont Palestinian and Muslim communities. We hope the perpetrator(s) will be brought to justice.
"We denounce this horrendous violence in our community. And we denounce any hatred that could lead to an act like this. As Jews, we are keenly aware of the impact of violence on minority religious communities, and so we stand in solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters at this frightening time.
"We have contacted the Islamic Center of Vermont president to offer our support. We pray for the recovery and strength of those impacted by this horrific act."
Nikolas P. Kerest, United States Attorney for the District of Vermont, made the following statement with respect to the shooting incident in Burlington on Saturday, November 25th:
“The Burlington Police Department, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other members of the Chittenden County Gun Violence Task Force are investigating the shooting of three young men of Palestinian descent on Saturday night in Burlington.
“We recognize the suffering and heartbreak that the three men who were wounded, their families, and their communities are experiencing. We offer our deepest condolences to all affected by Saturday’s events. We deplore and condemn this violence and other similar acts. We appreciate that our law enforcement partners are conducting the investigation into the identity of the shooter and the shooter’s motives in a careful and deliberate manner.
“The United States Attorney’s Office and the Civil Rights Division will assess the evidence generated to determine whether a federal crime may have been committed.”
President Pro Tem Phil Baruth issued the following statement Monday: “I am deeply disturbed by the shooting of three students of Palestinian descent. My thoughts are with the victims and their families, the Palestinian community, Burlington and all Vermonters who are grieving this tragedy.
"I’m thankful to law enforcement for their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation of this heinous crime. While the motive hasn’t yet been released, the likelihood this could have been a hate-motivated crime is deeply troubling. Hatred, racism and violence have no place in our communities.
"The top priority is bringing the perpetrator to justice for the victims and their families. As we await further details, I hope for full recoveries for the victims and I urge Vermonters to come together and support one another during this difficult time.”
11.26.2023
