Violence has no place here, especially hate motivated violence

Statement by State Rep. Emma Mulvaney-Stanak November 26, 2023

I am heartbroken and horrified that three young Palestinian men were shot in Burlington last night. My heart is with the victims of this senseless act of violence and their families and loved ones. I hope that they are able to recover swiftly. Any act of violence impacts victims of crime as well as entire communities. I understand the immense harm this has done to the families and loved ones of the victims as well as the entire Palestinian community in Vermont. 

I appreciate the Burlington Police Department and Burlington Fire Department’s swift response. While we await additional information from official sources, I expect that the Burlington Police Department will utilize all available resources to determine whether these victims were targeted and whether a hate crime was committed. I thank the Governor and members of our Congressional Delegation for their support of Burlington at this time. 

One of the things that makes Burlington so special is our commitment to justice, inclusion and multiculturalism. Violence has no place in our community - especially hate motivated violence. And we must acknowledge that reports indicate that anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic hate crimes are on the rise in our country. This is a moment of reflection and recommitment to our values as a community. 

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Burlington Police Department at 802-658-2704.