Iraq veteran appears in court in a hospital gown as he’s charged for shooting Palestine activist who charged at him
A Massachusetts war veteran who allegedly shot and killed a pro-Palestinian protester has been released on $5,000 bail. He appeared in court wearing a hospital gown.
Scott Hayes, 47, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon and violating a constitutional right causing injury.
The Iraq War veteran was taking part in a pro-Israel protest in Boston on Thursday when a man charged at him.
A scuffle ensued and Hayes’ weapon was fired. The victim was left with “life-threatening injuries” after the fight. Hayes remained at the scene to render aid.
Hayes was granted bail during his brief court appearance Friday, during which he entered a not guilty plea.
He must abide by a curfew between 7pm and 6am and is not allowed to contact the victim under any circumstances. Hayes is not allowed to possess weapons while out on bail.
His next court appearance is scheduled for November 7.
A Massachusetts war veteran who allegedly shot a pro-Palestine protester in self-defense has been released on $5,000 bail after appearing in court in a hospital gown
Scott Hayes, 47, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon and violating a constitutional right, causing injury
Massachusetts military veteran Scott Hayes has been arrested for allegedly shooting a pro-Palestine agitator who attacked him during a pro-Palestine rally.
Dramatic images obtained by Daily thread showed the moment the incident took place. The man who was shot was wearing a Palestinian flag pin and was heard shouting at the protesters from across the street.
“You’re sick! You’re sick,” he shouted, provoking an indignant response from the protesters.
“You are defending genocide. More than 200,000 Palestinians,” he added before stopping.
We then see him running down the street and charging at Hayes, knocking him to the ground.
“No! No!” a woman screamed before the two struggled on the ground, with the man holding Hayes in a headlock.
A gunshot rings out and the men continue to struggle. Two other protesters intervene and try to disperse the men.
“Get my gun,” a voice believed to be Hayes was heard shouting as he urged people to stay away from the attacker.
The group then pulled the man to his feet, but another clip showed the man being laid on the ground as Hayes urged bystanders to call 911.
The conflict started after this man, wearing a Palestinian flag pin, accused the protesters of ‘supporting genocide’
He charged at Hayes and knocked him to the ground before a shot was heard
“You okay, man?” Hayes asked as he lifted the man’s shirt to inspect his injuries.
Although his injuries were initially described as life-threatening, authorities have since said the victim is expected to survive.
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a “terrifying incident” and urged calm during the investigation.
“I know people will have a lot of questions, and we will share information with Newtonians and the press as we are able to do so,” Fuller said. “It’s still very early in an active investigation.”
Police have also announced that they will increase patrols around places of worship in the meantime.
The decision to file charges so quickly was criticized by the New England chapter of the Anti-Defamation League.
“Reports that charges were filed immediately prior to the conclusion of the investigation are disturbing,” the statement said.
Other protesters rushed to pull the men apart and Hayes was later seen attempting to provide basic medical attention to his attacker
Hayes’ gun is on the ground after the fight
The Iraq war veteran was then seen providing basic medical care to the man and urging others to call 911
“Protests should not expose anyone to violence. We encourage the Newton Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office to conduct a thorough investigation into the entire incident.
“We are concerned about the rising tensions and remain in contact with police and the community.”
A GoFundMe has now been set up to pay Hayes’ legal fees.
“Although Scott is not Jewish, he has defended the Jewish people and their right to self-determination and governance throughout Boston, the greater Boston area, and throughout New England and the United States. He needs help now as this unrest invades his life,” the fundraiser said.
The Jewish Community Relations Council issued a statement urging patience and prayers for the victim’s recovery.
Hayes is scheduled to appear in court in Newton on Friday
Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller described the shooting as a “terrifying incident”
Blood, medical waste and barrier tape left at the scene of the incident
‘While the details of what happened are still being investigated, there should be no doubt that violence of any kind in our democratic society is abhorrent. The right of people to assemble in civil, non-violent public demonstrations must be sacrosanct.
While some charges have already been filed, we urge you to be patient until the full investigation is complete. We also encourage Mayor Fuller and District Attorney Ryan to continue to communicate extensively with the public and community regarding the investigation and the rationale for the charges being filed, and any additional charges that may be filed.
“Regardless of the motive or his role in initiating the violence, we pray for the full recovery of the person injured last night.”