On Thursday evening in Massachusetts, a heated confrontation between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in a pro-Israel demonstrator shooting and injuring an attacker who had charged and tackled him to the ground.
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Pro-Israel Demonstrator Faces Charges After Shooting Attacker in Self-Defense
In the wake of a heated dispute over the conflict in Gaza, a pro-Israel demonstrator in Massachusetts has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after shooting a man who charged and tackled him to the ground.
The incident unfolded at approximately 6:40 p.m. on Thursday at the intersection of Washington Street and Harvard Street in Newton, a city with a substantial Jewish population. According to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, a group of pro-Israel demonstrators, including the defendant, Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, were protesting when an individual sporting a Palestinian flag pin approached from across the street.
Pro-Israel Demonstrator Faces Charges After Shooting Attacker in Self-Defense
Video footage captured the subsequent exchange, which shows the man, whose identity remains undisclosed, crossing the street through traffic and confronting Hayes. Verbal altercations ensued, with the man accusing the protesters of "defending genocide."
Hayes, a self-described Iraq War veteran who has been active in pro-Israel demonstrations, responded to the man's accusations. As the verbal confrontation escalated, the man abruptly lunged at Hayes, tackling him to the ground.
Pro-Israel Demonstrator Faces Charges After Shooting Attacker in Self-Defense
The video then shows the pair grappling on the ground, with the man holding Hayes in a headlock. According to Ryan, Hayes fired his gun, striking the man in the stomach. Two other pro-Israel demonstrators rushed to Hayes's aid, stomping on the attacker and dragging him away.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to Ryan. Police have not yet released the victim's name.
Pro-Israel Demonstrator Faces Charges After Shooting Attacker in Self-Defense
A GoFundMe page has been established to support Hayes, who is facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury. The page describes Hayes as a non-Jewish individual who has been actively defending the Jewish people and their rights.
The incident has sparked concern and mixed reactions within the community. Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described it as a "frightening incident" and urged patience while investigators gather facts. Acting Newton Police Chief George McMains requested public assistance in providing information or video related to the incident.
Pro-Israel Demonstrator Faces Charges After Shooting Attacker in Self-Defense
In response to the incident, Newton police have increased patrols around houses of worship in the area over the next several days.
The Middlesex County District Attorney's office is actively investigating the incident, which has raised questions about self-defense and the use of force in public demonstrations. Hayes is expected to be arraigned on Friday at Newton District Court.
Pro-Israel Demonstrator Faces Charges After Shooting Attacker in Self-Defense
