A Massachusetts military veteran who allegedly shot a pro-Palestine protester has been released on $5,000 bond after appearing in court in a hospital gown.
Scott Hayes, 47, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury.
The Iraq war veteran was taking part in a pro-Israel protest in Boston on Thursday when a man charged at him.
A scuffle ensued and Hayes’ weapon was discharged. The victim was left with ‘life-threatening injuries’ following the melee. Hayes remained at the scene to render aid.
Hayes was granted bond during his brief court appearance on Friday, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
He must adhere to a curfew between 7pm and 6am, and cannot contact the victim under any circumstances. Hayes must not possess any weapons while released on bond.
His next court appearance has been scheduled for November 7.
A Massachusetts military veteran who allegedly shot a pro-Palestine protester in self defense has been released on $5,000 bond after appearing in court in a hospital gown
Scott Hayes, 47, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury
Massachusetts military veteran Scott Hayes has been arrested for allegedly shooting a pro-Palestine agitator who charged at him in the middle of a pro-Palestine demonstration
Dramatic footage obtained by Daily Wire showed the moment the incident took place. The man who was shot wore a Palestinian flag pin and was heard yelling at the protesters from across the street.
‘You’re sick! You’re sick,’ he shouted, prompting an outraged response from the demonstrators.
‘You are defending genocide. Over 200,000 Palestinians,’ he added before trailing off.
The video then cuts to him sprinting across the street and launching himself at Hayes, knocking him to the ground.
‘No! No!’ A woman screamed before the two engaged in a scuffle on the ground with the man gripping Hayes in a headlock.
A gunshot is heard and the men keep grappling, prompting two other demonstrators to get involved and try and break them apart.
‘Grab my pistol,’ a voice thought to be Hayes’ was heard shouting as he urged people to get off the attacker.
The group then hauled the man to his feet, but in another clip, the man was seen being laid down on the ground as Hayes urged bystanders to call 911.
The altercation began after this man, wearing a Palestinian flag pin, started accusing the demonstrators of ‘supporting genocide’
He charged at Hayes, knocking him to the ground before a gunshot was heard
‘Are you okay man?’ Hayes asked as he lifted the man’s shirt to check his injuries.
While his injuries were initially described as life threatening, authorities have since said the victim is expected to survive.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a ‘frightening incident.’ She urged for calm amid the investigation.
‘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.’
Police also announced they will be stepping up patrols around places of worship in the meantime.
The decision to bring charges so swiftly was criticized by the New England branch of the Anti-Defamation League.
‘Reports that charges were immediately filed prior to completion of the investigation are concerning,’ a statement read.
Other demonstrators rushed to try and pull the men apart and Hayes was later seen trying to administer basic medical aid to his assailant
Hayes’ pistol is seen lying on the ground after the scuffle
The Iraq war veteran was then seen giving basic medical aid to the man and urging others to call 911
‘Protests should not subject anyone to violence. We encourage Newton Police and the Middlesex District Attorney to conduct a thorough investigation of the entire incident.
‘We are concerned about escalating tensions and remain in contact with law enforcement and community officials.’
A GoFundMe has now been set up to pay for Hayes’ legal fees.
‘Even though Scott is not Jewish he has been defending the Jewish people and its right for self determination and governance all across Boston, its surroundings and all around New England and the US. He now needs help as this turmoil entered his life,’ the fundraiser said.
The Jewish Community Relations Council issued a statement urging patience and praying for the recovery of the victim.
Hayes is due to be arraigned at Newton District Court on Friday
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a ‘frightening incident’
Blood, medical debris, and crime scene tape left behind at the location of the incident
‘While the details of what happened are still being investigated, there should be no question that violence of any kind in our democratic society is abhorrent. People’s right to gather in civil, non-violent public demonstrations must be sacrosanct.
‘While some charges have already been filed, we urge patience as a full investigation unfolds, and we encourage Mayor Fuller and DA Ryan to continue to continue to fully communicate with the public and the community regarding the investigation and the rationale for those charges filed and for any additional charges that may be filed.
‘Regardless of motive or his role in the initiation of the violence, we pray for the full recovery of the individual who was injured last night.’
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk