Burlington Man Charged After Possessing a Loaded Firearm on Church Street

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Noor Mohamed, age 25, of Burlington, Vermont has been charged by criminal complaint with being a felon in possession of ammunition. Mohamed is currently in State of Vermont custody and his initial appearance in federal court is not yet scheduled.

According to court records, shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, Mohamed caused a disturbance with a firearm on Church Street in Burlington. When officers from the Burlington Police Department (BPD) attempted to detain him, he ignored their orders and physically resisted. Instead of complying with the officers, Mohamed reached into his waistband to grab the loaded firearm that he possessed, resulting in an intense and perilous physical struggle between Mohamed and law enforcement over the gun. As law enforcement struggled with Mohamed to detain him and gain control of the firearm, a large, confrontational, agitated crowd formed around officers, creating an increasingly unsafe and precarious scene. Eventually, officers were able to handcuff the defendant and gain possession of the gun, which was a Glock-style handgun with scratch marks where a serial number should have been located, loaded with thirteen rounds of ammunition, including a round in the chamber.

The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Mohamed is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Mohamed faces up to 15 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

“The responding Burlington Police officers demonstrated bravery and skill by safely disarming Mr. Mohamed, despite his vigorous resistance and the presence of the agitated crowd,” said Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to help protect our communities.” Drescher also commended the investigative work of the Burlington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Interim Chief of the Burlington Police Department, Shawn Burke, stated: “This incident highlights the dangers our officers face and their selfless commitment to keeping Burlington safe. We deeply appreciate our federal partners for seeking to hold Mohamed accountable and to reduce his ability to further victimize our community.”

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Attorney information for Mohamed is not yet available.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).