Shooting of Palestinian Students Being Investigated as Hate Crime

Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | November 27, 2023 — The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) is deeply concerned about the recent attack on three Palestinian college students who were shot while wearing keffiyehs and speaking Arabic in Burlington, Vermont. Hisham, Kinnan, and Tahseen, all innocent victims, were targeted solely based on their ethnicity and the language they spoke. MPAC has been in contact with the Department of Justice, urging a thorough investigation into this appalling act of violence, which is now being treated as a hate crime.

MPAC has been actively engaged in advocating for the rights and safety of American Muslims, especially during this ongoing period of increased anti-Muslim animus. MPAC believes that a thorough investigation is crucial to ensure justice is served and to send a strong message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our society.

"We are deeply disturbed by this act of violence against Hisham, Kinnan, and Tahseen. No one should have to fear for their safety simply because of their religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs. We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and will continue to work tirelessly to combat hate and bigotry." - Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President

While a suspect has been arrested in the shooting of the three students, MPAC calls on law enforcement agencies to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of all reported hate crimes, as well as enhance efforts to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. We urge community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or hate incidents to the authorities.

MPAC will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation closely. We remain committed to fostering a society that values diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals.