Vermont man convicted of attempted murder for shooting Palestinian students near UVM
A Vermont man was convicted of attempted murder after shooting three Palestinian students near the University of Vermont campus. The defendant, identified as Eaton, used a handgun purchased seven months prior to attack the victims, leaving one paralyzed. Prosecutors argued the act was deliberate and ideologically motivated, while the defense claimed the shooter acted under delusions. The victims, all now 23, testified about the attack, which occurred during a holiday weekend visit to a relative's home.
Key points
- Eaton was convicted of attempted murder for shooting three Palestinian students near the University of Vermont.
- The victims, Awartani, Aliahmad, and Abdalhamid, are all 23 years old and were visiting a relative's home.
- Awartani was paralyzed from the waist down after a bullet ricocheted off his scapula.
- Eaton used a Ruger .380-caliber handgun purchased seven months before the shooting.
- Prosecutors described the act as deliberate, while the defense argued Eaton acted under delusions.
Background
This case follows earlier Vermont incidents involving gun violence, including a 2026 attempted murder in Barre and a trial in September 2026 for the same shooting of Palestinian students near UVM. The trial had previously highlighted conflicting narratives between prosecutors and the defense regarding the shooter's mental state and motives.
Why it matters
The conviction highlights ongoing tensions and safety concerns for international students in Vermont, particularly those from the Middle East, and underscores the legal consequences of ideologically motivated violence on university campuses.
What to watch
Sentencing for Eaton is expected to follow the conviction, though specific dates were not detailed in the report. The victims will continue to manage the long-term physical and psychological impacts of the shooting, including Awartani's paralysis.
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