A fight at a pro-Israel protest in Newton Thursday evening culminated in a shooting that left one man facing life-threatening injuries.
At a press conference Thursday night, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said Newton Police responded to the scene near the corner of Washington Street and Harvard Street at about 6:40 p.m.
“There was a small group of individuals, pro-Israeli demonstrators, who were demonstrating on one side of the street,” said Ryan. “There was an individual apparently completely randomly walking down the other side of the street. Words were exchanged back and forth across the street.”
Ryan said the man — whose identity has not been released — crossed the street and allegedly jumped on one of the demonstrators.
“A scuffle ensued. During that scuffle, the individual who had come across the street was shot by a member of the demonstrating group,” said Ryan.
The district attorney identified the alleged shooter as 47-year-old Scott Hayes of Framingham. Hayes is set to be arraigned Friday on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury. It’s not yet clear whether he’s represented by a lawyer.
The shooting comes as protests connected to the war in Gaza continue, with the conflict approaching the one-year mark. At the Thursday night press conference, Newton’s acting police chief George McMains said that his department would step up its presence near potentially sensitive sites.
“The Newton Police Department will be providing extra patrols at the houses of worship over the next several days, as well as beyond, if we feel that’s appropriate or necessary,” said McMains.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller urged restraint as the investigation plays out.
“I have two asks,” said Fuller. “First, let the Newton police do their work and get the facts straight. Second, I ask everyone to remain calm.”
