A Massachusetts military veteran who allegedly shot a pro-Palestine protester was released on $5,000 bail 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 participating in a pro-Israel protest in Boston on Thursday when a man attacked him.
A fight ensued and Hayes’ gun went off. The victim suffered “life-threatening injuries” following the fight. Hayes remained on the scene to render aid.
Hayes was granted bail during his brief court appearance on Friday, where a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
He must abide by a curfew between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and cannot communicate with the victim under any circumstances. Hayes must not possess weapons while out on bail.
His next court appearance has been scheduled for November 7.
A Massachusetts military veteran who allegedly shot a pro-Palestine protester in self-defense was released on $5,000 bail 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 attacked him in the middle of a pro-Palestine demonstration.
Dramatic images obtained by The Daily Wire showed the moment the incident occurred. The man who was shot was wearing a badge with the Palestinian flag and was heard shouting at protesters from across the street.
“You are sick! You are sick!” he shouted, provoking outrage among the protesters.
“They are defending the genocide of more than 200,000 Palestinians,” he added before falling silent.
The video then shows him running down the street and lunging at Hayes, knocking him to the ground.
“No! No!” a woman screamed before the two engaged in a fight on the ground, with the man holding Hayes in a headlock.
A shot is heard and the men continue to struggle, prompting two other protesters to get involved and try to separate them.
“Grab my gun,” a voice believed to be Hayes’ was heard shouting as he urged people to get away from the attacker.
The group then lifted the man up, but in another clip the man is seen lying on the ground as Hayes urged bystanders to call 911.
The altercation began after the man, who was wearing a badge with the Palestinian flag, began accusing protesters of “supporting genocide.”
He attacked Hayes and threw him to the ground before a shot was heard.
“You okay, man?” Hayes asked as he lifted the man’s shirt to check his wounds.
Although his injuries were initially described as life-threatening, authorities have since said the victim is expected to survive.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the shooting a “terrifying incident” and urged 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 can,” Fuller said. “We are in the early stages of an active investigation.”
Police also announced that they will intensify patrols around places of worship in the meantime.
The decision to file charges so quickly was criticized by the New England branch of the Anti-Defamation League.
“Reports that charges were filed immediately before the investigation was complete are concerning,” the statement said.
Other protesters rushed in to try to separate the men and Hayes was later seen trying to administer basic medical aid to his attacker.
Hayes’ gun is seen lying on the ground after the fight.
The Iraq War veteran was then seen providing basic medical assistance to the man and urging others to call 911.
“Protests should not subject anyone to violence. We urge Newton Police and the Middlesex District Attorney to conduct a thorough investigation into the entire incident.
“We are concerned about the escalation of tensions and remain in contact with law enforcement and community officials.”
A GoFundMe has been created to pay for Hayes’ legal fees.
“Although Scott is not Jewish, he has stood up for the Jewish people and their right to self-determination and government throughout Boston, its surrounding areas and throughout New England and the United States. Now he needs help as this crisis has entered his life,” the fundraiser said.
The Jewish Community Relations Council issued a statement urging patience and prayers for the victim’s recovery.
Hayes is due to appear in Newton District Court on Friday.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a “terrifying incident.”
Blood, medical remains and crime scene tape left at the scene of the incident.
‘While the details of what happened are still being investigated, there should be no doubt that violence of any kind in our democratic society is abhorrent. The right of people to assemble in civil, non-violent public demonstrations must be sacrosanct.
‘While some charges have already been filed, we urge patience while a full investigation unfolds, and we encourage Mayor Fuller and District Attorney Ryan to continue to communicate fully with the public and community regarding the investigation and the justification for the charges filed and any additional charges that may be filed.
‘Regardless of the motive or their role in starting the violence, we pray for the full recovery of the person who was injured last night.’
