By Steve Neavling
The FBI says it’s ready to join an investigation into the shooting of three young men of Palestinian descent in Vermont on Saturday if local and state law enforcement find evidence of a federal violation, such as a hate crime.
“If, in the course of the local investigation, information comes to light of a potential federal violation, the FBI is prepared to investigate,” Sarah Ruane, an FBI spokesperson based in Albany, New York, said in a statement, the Associated Press reports.
One of the men was seriously injured and the other two were in stable condition when the shooting broke out about 6:25 p.m. near the University of Vermont.
ATF agents arrested the suspect, 48-year-old Jason Eaton, on Sunday.
“Without speaking, he discharged at least four rounds from the pistol and is believed to have fled,” Burlington Chief of Police Jon Murad said in a news release. “All three victims were struck, two in their torsos and one in the lower extremities.”
Two of the men are U.S. citizens and the other is a legal resident.
On Sunday, law enforcement officials said they didn’t yet have evidence to suggest a motive.
Jewish and Palestinian Americans have been targeted by threats after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.
