A Massachusetts military veteran has been arrested for allegedly shooting a pro-Palestine agitator who charged at him during a pro-Israel demonstration.
Scott Hayes, 47, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury after the individual was left with ‘life-threatening injuries’.
Dramatic footage obtained by Daily Wire showed the moment the assailant rushed at Hayes, before a scuffle ensued and the weapon was discharged.
Iraq war veteran Hayes was taking part in a pro-Israel protest in the Boston suburb of Newton on Thursday when the incident occurred.
The video shows the man who was shot wearing a Palestinian flag pin and yelling at the protesters from across the street.
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
‘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.
Hayes is due to be arraigned at Newton District Court today. The identity of the victim has not been released.
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.’
Middlesex 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
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
‘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.
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