Shocking moment Iraq veteran shoots pro-Palestine agitator who lunged at him during peaceful Israel protest – then stays to give him first aid

A Massachusetts war veteran has been arrested for allegedly shooting a pro-Palestinian agitator who attacked him during a pro-Israel rally.

Scott Hayes, 47, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and violating a constitutional right, causing injury after the person suffered “life-threatening injuries.”

Dramatic images obtained by Daily thread showed the moment the attacker charged at Hayes, a scuffle ensued and the weapon was fired.

Hayes, an Iraq War veteran, was participating in a pro-Israel protest in the Boston suburb of Newton on Thursday when the incident occurred.

The video shows the gunned down man wearing a Palestinian flag pin and shouting at 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.

Hayes is due to appear in Newton District Court today. The identity of the victim has not been released.

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.”

Middlesex Police have also announced that they will be increasing 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

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

“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.