A pro-Israel demonstrator in Newton, Massachusetts, has been charged following a confrontation that ended in gunfire.
Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, is facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury after shooting a man who allegedly attacked him during a demonstration.
According to Fox News, the altercation took place at approximately 6:40 p.m. at the intersection of Washington Street and Harvard Street, about seven and a half miles west of Boston.
Hayes was part of a group of pro-Israel demonstrators when a man wearing a Palestinian flag pin reportedly ran across the street through traffic and tackled Hayes to the ground. The ensuing struggle led to Hayes firing his legally owned firearm, striking his attacker in the stomach.
The incident was recorded on video, depicting the pro-Palestinian individual, marked by a Palestinian flag pin, charging across the street.
He tackled Hayes to the ground and wrapped his hands around Hayes's neck. In the struggle that ensued, Hayes, who legally owns a pistol, fired his weapon, striking the assailant in the stomach.
After the shot was fired, other demonstrators intervened, forcibly removing the attacker from Hayes. Hayes was then seen attending to the wounded man, providing first aid while instructing others to call emergency services. The victim was rushed to the hospital with injuries deemed life-threatening.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan detailed the exchange that escalated to the shooting.
There was a small group of individuals, pro-Israeli demonstrators who were demonstrating on one side of the street. There was an individual, apparently completely randomly walking down the other side of the street. Ultimately, that individual came very rapidly across the street and tackled one of the demonstrators.
"There was a scuffle that was going on, on the street, and at some point, Mr. Hayes used a gun and fired a shot that struck the individual who had come across the street," Ryan continued.
Scott Hayes has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury. He is scheduled to be arraigned at Newton District Court on Friday following the incident. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page supporting Hayes has raised over $100,000, citing his service as an Iraq War veteran.
The incident has prompted Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and local police to increase patrols around the area, especially near places of worship. "Let the Newton police do their work and get the facts straight," Mayor Fuller emphasized, calling for calm and thorough investigation.
The altercation has reignited debates surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza, with accusations from both sides highlighting the tense atmosphere at the protest. Demonstrators exchanged harsh words, with one pro-Palestinian declaring the other group as defending genocide.
In conclusion, Scott Hayes, a pro-Israel demonstrator, faces charges after shooting a man who allegedly attacked him during a protest. The confrontation escalated from a verbal dispute to a physical altercation, resulting in gunfire. Local authorities are investigating the incident while the community grapples with concerns about safety at public gatherings and the expression of political views.
