JUST IN: Suspect in Shooting of Three Palestinian College Students in Vermont Brought In to Police Custody

A suspect in the shooting of three Palestinian college students at the University of Vermont was apprehended Sunday afternoon, according to a statement released by the local police department.

Burlington PD arrested Jason J. Eaton, 48, Sunday afternoon near the scene of the attack in what they believe is a “hate-motivated attack” after a search of his home uncovered evidence that led authorities to believe there was “probable cause to believe that Mr. Eaton perpetrated the shooting.”

CNN reports:

Officials have not detailed what charges Eaton is facing, but a police statement announcing his arrest described the case as three incidents of aggravated assault. He is expected to be arraigned in court on Monday. Police are also planning to hold a news conference Monday to discuss the case. CNN has been unable to determine if Eaton has an attorney.

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont and other authorities are investigating whether the shooting may have been a hate crime, officials said.

The students, all 20 years old, were walking along the street Saturday night when they were confronted by a man with a handgun, who opened fire and shot each of them “without speaking” before fleeing, according to the police department.

Two of the students were in stable condition over the weekend but the third received “much more serious injuries,” police said, noting two were shot in the torso and another in the lower extremities.

There is no direct evidence tying the shooting near the University of Vermont to heightened tensions since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th or the Israel-Hamas War that has followed. However, according to authorities, there appears to be some possible correlation.

Watch above via CNN.