NEWTON, Mass. — A pro-Israel demonstration in a Boston suburb turned violent Thursday night when a passerby was shot during a brawl after he attacked a group of protesters, authorities said.
Police were called to the scene of what they described as a small gathering in Newton at 6:40 p.m. Words were exchanged before a passerby quickly ran across the street and tackled one of the protesters, said Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan.
“A scuffle ensued. During the scuffle, the individual crossing the street was shot by a member of the protesting group,” Ryan said during a news conference Thursday night.
Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, was arrested on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and violating a constitutional right by causing injury. He is scheduled to appear in court Friday, Ryan said.
The shooting victim, who has not been identified, was treated at a hospital for life-threatening injuries, Ryan said.
Acting Newton Police Chief George McMains asked witnesses to provide investigators with photos or videos of the confrontation. He said police would be conducting extra patrols of “houses of worship” in the coming days.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the shooting a “frightening incident” and asked everyone to remain calm as police investigate.
“I know people will have a lot of questions, and we’ll share information with Newtonians and the press as we’re able to,” Fuller said. “It’s really an early stage of an active investigation.”