A demonstration in support of Israel in Newton, Massachusetts took a violent turn on Thursday evening when a passerby was shot during an altercation with the demonstrators, officials reported. Police responded to the scene at 6:40 p.m. where a small rally was taking place. According to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, a verbal exchange occurred before a passerby swiftly crossed the street and confronted one of the demonstrators.
Following the confrontation, a scuffle broke out and the passerby was shot by a member of the demonstrating group, Ryan shared during a news conference on Thursday night. A 47-year-old man named Scott Hayes from Framingham was taken into custody on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury. He is set to appear in district court on Friday.
The victim of the shooting, whose identity was not disclosed, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, Ryan confirmed. Newton’s Acting Police Chief George McMains urged any witnesses to provide any photos or videos of the incident to aid the investigation. In response to the incident, extra police patrols will be stationed at “houses of worship” in the coming days.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a “frightening incident” and called for calm as authorities conduct their investigation. Fuller assured the community that information will be shared with the public and press as it becomes available, emphasizing that it is still early in the active investigation.
