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Jason J. Eaton, a 48-year-old suspect who was apprehended for injuring three college students of Palestinian descent, had appeared for a video feed arraignment before the Chittenden County Criminal Court in Burlington. The victims, identified in court documents, were Hisham Awartani, Tahseen Aliahmad, and Kinnan Abdalhamid, who were shot near the University of Vermont. Eaton faces charges of three counts of attempted second-degree murder and will be held without bond. The suspect turned himself in the day following the attack and was found with guns and ammunition in his possession at the time of his arrest. Police affirmative that Eaton was the shooter of the victims.
Eaton’s arraignment was held the day after he was taken into custody, appearing in an orange jumpsuit and acknowledging the charges against him. Although there is no evidence at the moment to support enhanced hate crime charges, the state’s attorney has made it clear that this was a hateful act. The U.S. Department of Justice has also gotten involved in the case, with U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland noting that no one should have to live in fear of lethal violence. Eaton awaits his trial after being indicted on charges of attempted murder. There are no further updates from the U.S. Attorney General otherwise. President Joe Biden, the White House, and the families of the victims have all expressed deep concern and sorrow for the tragedy, with the victims still recovering from their injuries.
Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta; Additional reporting by Susan Heavey, Luc Cohen, Steve Holland, Doina Chiacu and Katharine Jackson Additional reporting and writing by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles Editing by Frank McGurty, Bill Berkrot and Matthew LewisAll data in this content is being checked under the conditions of the Reuters Trust Standards. Acquire Licensing Rights, opens new tab
