Pro-Israel demonstrator shoots attacker during rally: Legal battle begins

Scott Hayes, a pro-Israel demonstrator, was granted bail following his arraignment on Friday after allegedly shooting a man who had tackled him during a peaceful rally in Newton, Massachusetts. The incident took place on Thursday evening, and prosecutors have announced their intention to file charges against the 31-year-old Newton male who attacked Hayes.

Hayes pleaded not guilty and was released on a $5,000 bail under strict conditions. These include home confinement except for work hours, wearing a GPS ankle monitor, avoiding Newton and the man who tackled him, and not possessing any weapons.

While earlier reports suggested that Hayes would be charged with both assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury, only the first charge was brought during the arraignment.

“The male who tackled Hayes now is expected to survive his wound,” the district attorney’s office said in a statement.

The confrontation began when the man, who was wearing a purple T-shirt and reportedly a Palestinian pin, yelled at the pro-Israel demonstrators from across the street, accusing them of defending genocide. A woman from the pro-Israel group retorted, “You are so stupid!”

A video clip shows the bearded man sprinting across the street and tackling Hayes. According to witness Dave Sherman, “He was really tough to take down. He was really determined. He was really hateful.”

Three seconds after the tackle, a gunshot is heard. The video further shows two men standing over the attacker, pressing their feet on his face. Hayes, still seated on the sidewalk, is seen asking them to get off and inquiring about his pistol.

In another video, Hayes is heard telling someone to “call 911” and asking others to “Stop! Go away!” before rendering aid to the wounded attacker.

Authorities identified Hayes as a 47-year-old Iraq War veteran from Framingham who often attends protests carrying American and Israeli flags. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan confirmed that Hayes legally possessed the firearm.

Shaul Brechman, another witness, commented, “It’s just one more proof of the problematic way of those [who harbor] anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli way[s] of action.”

Public reaction has been polarized. One observer on X stated, “Ironically this is a perfect metaphor for Israel vs Palestine,” while another user defended Hayes, saying, “Self-defense is his right. I’m going to support him all the way with this.”

Kassy Akiva of the Daily Wire criticized the Boston Globe’s coverage, calling it “complete trash” for its portrayal of the incident. She clarified, “The truth: The man charged across a street through traffic and tackled a man to the ground. Then the attacker was shot.”

Support for Hayes has been strong, with a GoFundMe campaign for his legal defense raising over $64,000 as of Friday morning. Newton police have announced increased patrols at houses of worship over the weekend in response to the incident.

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

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