An Iraq war veteran facing jail time for shooting a pro-Palestine agitator who jumped him at a Massachusetts protest has received an outpouring of support.
Scott Hayes, 47, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Newton District Court on Friday, following the violent confrontation at a demonstration on Thursday evening.
Hayes is facing up to 10 years in prison after shooting Caleb Gannon, 31, who lunged at him during a pro-Israel rally in the Boston suburb of Newton.
He has since received an outpouring of support, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over $244,000 for his legal defense as of Monday afternoon.
Shocking video of the incident shows Gannon sprinting toward Hayes and tackling him to the ground.
Scott Hayes is facing jail time for shooting a pro-Palestine agitator who jumped him at a Massachusetts protest
Supporters of Hayes gathered outside the courtroom ahead of his arraignment at Newton District Court on Friday
The footage shows Hayes appearing to reach for his holstered pistol while still pinned down and firing a single shot, hitting Gannon in the stomach.
Immediately after the shooting, Hayes was seen instructing bystanders to secure his weapon as he provided immediate care and first aid attention to Gannon until paramedics arrived.
Gannon is expected to survive.
Both he and his supporters argue that it is a clear-cut case of self-defense.
The fundraiser describes Hayes as a defender of Jewish people’s rights ‘all across Boston, its surroundings and all around New England and the US.’
‘Even though Scott is not Jewish he has been defending the Jewish people and its right for self determination and governance,’ the fundraising page states.
‘He now needs help as this turmoil entered his life.’
Hayes has been a staunch defender of Israel and has continuously fought against anti-semitism
Hayes pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Newton District Court on Frida
A Hayes supporter wore a white shirt and a tie with the words “Free Scott” written in black marker on strips of duct tape across his chest at the arraignment
Hayes has been a staunch defender of Israel and has continuously fought against anti-semitism.
On the day the incident unfolded, he wrote a post searching for information on a man he claimed was making Nazi salutes.
Last month he came to blows with a woman who was filming him at a different event in Beverly, Massachusetts.
A video he shared alongside the claim shows him filming an irate woman as she repeatedly asks him to stop before ultimately smacking the camera away.
Another post to X shows an image of a gun with a pro-Israel dog tag draped across it posted with the caption: ‘Hey Jew haters. Bring it.’
Cops said that the gun used in the shooting on Thursday belonged to Hayes, who was carrying it legally.
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.
The altercation began after a man started accusing the demonstrators of ‘supporting genocide’
He charged at Hayes, knocking him to the ground before a gunshot was heard
‘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.’
Supporters of Hayes gathered outside the courtroom ahead of his arraignment at Newton District Court on Friday.
The Republican Jewish Coalition also signaled its support for Hayes.
‘We stand with Scott Hayes, who was defending himself after being attacked by a pro-Hamas maniac in Massachusetts,’ the organization wrote on X.
Cops said that the gun used in the shooting on Thursday belonged to Hayes, who was carrying it legally
Blood, medical debris, and crime scene tape left behind at the location of the shooting
The Jewish Community Relations Council issued a statement urging patience.
‘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,’ the organization said.
‘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 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.’
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