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 by causing injury after the individual suffered “life-threatening injuries.”
Dramatic images obtained by The Daily Wire showed the moment the attacker lunged at Hayes, before a struggle broke out and the gun was fired.
Hayes, an Iraq war veteran, was participating in a pro-Israel protest in the Boston suburb of Newton on Thursday when the incident occurred.
The video showed the man wearing a Palestinian flag badge and shouting at protesters from across the street.
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.
“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, where he lunges at Hayes and knocks 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 was heard and the men continued 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.
Hayes is scheduled to appear in Newton District Court today. The victim’s identity has not been released.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a “terrifying incident” and called 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 can,” Fuller said. “We are in the early stages of an active investigation.”
Middlesex Police also announced that it would step up 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.
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.
“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.
