Burlington police arrest group linked to April attack

BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Police have arrested five people in connection with what they call a brutal assault in downtown Burlington in April.

Burlington police say two men – Abdirahman Mohammed and Ibrahima Bangoura, both 22 – were held without bail this week. According to court documents, Mohammed, Bangoura and the other three men were in downtown Burlington when they became involved in a fight with a separate group of people. One of the victims told police it was in retaliation for another incident in which Bangoura’s sister was attacked.

The other men arrested were: Ayub Mohamud, 23, of Winooski; Shuaib Mohamud, 21, from St. Albans; and Kalell Picard, 19, of Essex Junction.

Police say the investigation lasted months and even linked several men to the Burlington killings and shootings. Mohammed was also charged over a separate fight last week involving one of the victims of the April attack at the Old North End Variety Store, where police say he threatened to kill the victim.

Bangoura, aged 19, was also arrested and charged with a shooting in the city in August 2021.

Burlington police did not respond to interview requests Thursday.