Pro-Israel demonstrator in Newton shot man during scuffle, DA says

A Framingham man allegedly shot a person during a pro-Israel demonstration he was attending in Newton on Thursday evening, officials said.

Scott Hayes, 47, will be in court Friday on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said at a press conference. Ryan said they believe Hayes legally possessed the gun he used.

According to a Facebook event, Hayes was one of the hosts of the Newton Solidarity Standout on Washington Street from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday. Ryan said the shooting took place around 6:40 p.m.

Ryan said a man was walking past a small pro-Israeli demonstration near Washington and Harvard streets when “words were exchanged.” He crossed the street twice before ultimately jumping and tackling one of the demonstrators, she said. 

“A scuffle ensued,” Ryan said. “During that scuffle, the individual who had come across the street was shot by a member of the demonstrating group.”

The man shot, who was not identified, suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital. Officials did not say what caused the scuffle, and Ryan said it was “too soon to get into that” when asked if the shooting was political.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said police immediately arrested Hayes. Police will also increase their patrols at local houses of worship over the next few days.

“Let the Newton police do their work and get the facts straight,” Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said. “I ask everyone to remain calm.”

Newton police are asking anyone with videos or pictures of the incident to share with their detectives at 617-796-2104 or anonymously at 617-796-2121.