(AP) — A pro-Israel rally in a Boston suburb turned violent Thursday evening when a passerby was shot during a scuffle after confronting a group of demonstrators, authorities said.
NOTE: The Anti-Iarael protestor tackled one of the Jewish Demonstrators, AP is not reporting the full story, the video below shows what exactly happened
Highly concerning that the victim of this attack was arrested and charged in a shooting that, at least on this video, appears to be a justified shooting in self-defense.
Scott Hayes is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as violation of a… https://t.co/Jk53xjoFVu
— Gerard Filitti (@GerardFilitti) September 13, 2024
Police were called at 6:40 p.m. to the scene of what they described as a small rally in Newton. Words were exchanged before a passerby rapidly crossed the street and tackled one of the demonstrators, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said.
In a second video, the veteran is seen giving medical care to the man who tackled him until first responders arrived.
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) September 13, 2024
“A scuffle ensued. During that scuffle, the individual who had come across the street was shot by a member of the demonstrating group,” Ryan said during a news conference late Thursday.
Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, was arrested on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury. He is scheduled to be arraigned in district court Friday, Ryan said.
The pro-Israel veteran, identified as @ScottHayes11b, was tackled by a pro-Palestine demonstrator in Newton, MA.
Mr. Hayes has since been arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as violating a constitutional right resulting in injury.… pic.twitter.com/yCNMDnc1B4
— Antisemite Stopper (@StopChiAntisems) September 13, 2024
The shooting victim, who was not identified, was being treated at a hospital for life-threatening injuries, Ryan said.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the shooting a “frightening incident” and asked for everyone to remain calm as police investigate.
“I know people will have a lot of questions, and we will share information with Newtonians and the press when we are able,” Fuller said. “It’s really early stages of an active investigation.”
