Man Shot After Assaulting Pro-Israel Veteran While Wearing Pro-Palestinian Pin

A heated altercation in Newton, Massachusetts, turned violent on Thursday when a man wearing a pro-Palestinian pin was shot after charging and tackling a pro-Israel veteran during a protest. The incident occurred as a group of about 10 pro-Israel demonstrators gathered in support of Israeli hostages and opposition to the Iranian regime, waving American, Israeli, and Pahlavi Iranian flags.

According to video footage the man, who wore a surgical mask around his neck, began shouting at the group from across the street, accusing them of "defending genocide" and making obscene gestures. Iraq War veteran Scott Hayes, 47, was preparing to leave when the assailant charged through traffic and tackled him.

In the ensuing struggle, a gun was discharged, striking the attacker in the stomach. Video shows Hayes, who had been carrying an American flag, placing the gun on the sidewalk after the shot was fired and immediately calling for help. Despite the violence, Hayes tended to the man’s injuries while urging bystanders to call 911.

Key details of the incident:

• The attacker, whose name has not been released, sustained life-threatening injuries but was later reported to be in stable condition.

• Hayes, a legal gun owner, has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury.

• The Middlesex County District Attorney confirmed that Hayes had legal possession of the firearm, but the circumstances of how it discharged remain unclear.

Fellow protesters expressed shock at the incident, claiming they were unaware Hayes was armed and believe he acted in self-defense. Aidin, an Iranian-American protester who leads the From Boston to Iran group, said, “I saw him bring his hand up to the veteran and I tried to go closer until I heard the shot fired.” Aidin added that this was the first time they had experienced violence at one of their protests.

The demonstration took place in Newton, a suburb of Boston with a significant Jewish population, comprising 20-30% of the community, according to Forward. The local police, who did not immediately respond for comment, announced they would be increasing patrols around houses of worship in response to the altercation.

This violent clash highlights the rising tensions in the U.S. surrounding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as protests and counter-protests have sparked confrontations across the country. The investigation into the incident continues as law enforcement reviews the circumstances that led to the shooting.

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