One shot, one arrested at pro-Israel demonstration in Newton
A Framingham man is due to be arraigned Friday in Newton District Court on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, law enforcement officials said.
Pro-Israel Rally in Newton Turns Violent, One Shot
A peaceful pro-Israel rally in Newton, Massachusetts, erupted in violence on Thursday evening when a passerby confronted the demonstrators, resulting in a shooting.
According to District Attorney Marian T. Ryan, a man who was shot during the incident sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, one of the demonstrators, was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury. Ryan noted that Hayes is licensed to carry a gun.
The incident occurred at 6:40 p.m. at the intersection of Washington and Harvard streets. A small group of pro-Israel demonstrators were gathered on one side of the street when an individual, who appeared to be walking randomly on the opposite side, began shouting at them.
An exchange of words ensued, and the passerby subsequently crossed the street and attacked one of the demonstrators. Ryan stated that a "scuffle ensued," during which the passerby was shot by Hayes.
Hayes is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday in Newton District Court. Acting Police Chief George McMains appealed to the public to provide any video footage of the incident to the police. He also announced that additional patrols would be deployed near houses of worship in the coming days.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller expressed her concern over the shooting, describing it as a "frightening incident." She urged citizens to allow the police to conduct their investigation without interference.
Newton police and State Police investigators remained at the scene for several hours, cordoning off the area where the altercation occurred with yellow crime scene tape. Evidence markers, along with an Israeli flag and a poster, were visible at the scene.
The investigation into the incident is still in its early stages, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
A peaceful pro-Israel rally in Newton, Massachusetts, erupted in violence on Thursday evening when a passerby confronted the demonstrators, resulting in a shooting.
According to District Attorney Marian T. Ryan, a man who was shot during the incident sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, one of the demonstrators, was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury. Ryan noted that Hayes is licensed to carry a gun.
The incident occurred at 6:40 p.m. at the intersection of Washington and Harvard streets. A small group of pro-Israel demonstrators were gathered on one side of the street when an individual, who appeared to be walking randomly on the opposite side, began shouting at them.
An exchange of words ensued, and the passerby subsequently crossed the street and attacked one of the demonstrators. Ryan stated that a "scuffle ensued," during which the passerby was shot by Hayes.
Hayes is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday in Newton District Court. Acting Police Chief George McMains appealed to the public to provide any video footage of the incident to the police. He also announced that additional patrols would be deployed near houses of worship in the coming days.
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller expressed her concern over the shooting, describing it as a "frightening incident." She urged citizens to allow the police to conduct their investigation without interference.
Newton police and State Police investigators remained at the scene for several hours, cordoning off the area where the altercation occurred with yellow crime scene tape. Evidence markers, along with an Israeli flag and a poster, were visible at the scene.
The investigation into the incident is still in its early stages, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.