Man attacks protesters and is shot, protester arrested – NBC Boston

A man was shot and seriously wounded in Newton, Massachusetts, on Thursday night after attacking a member of a group of pro-Israel protesters, authorities said. The suspected shooter is under arrest.

Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said the shooting occurred around 6:40 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Washington and Harvard streets.

Ryan said the group of protesters were on one side of the street when a man passing by exchanged words with them.

She said that after some back and forth, the man “came across the street very quickly and attacked one of the protesters.”

A scuffle ensued and Ryan said one of the protesters, identified as 47-year-old Scott Hayes of Framingham, shot the man as he ran across the street.

The man who was shot was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Authorities shared their findings several hours after the shooting of a man who suffered life-threatening injuries after running toward and jumping a pro-Israel protester in Newton, Massachusetts, on Thursday. One person was also arrested, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said at the news conference, where she was joined by the mayor of Newton, who called the incident frightening, and the police chief.

Hayes was arrested on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right with bodily injury, Ryan said. When asked if Hayes was the protester who was attacked, the district attorney said she believes so, but the investigation is ongoing.

According to Ryan, Hayes will be arraigned in Newton District Court on Friday.

A video apparently showing the incident circulated on social media. Her office said it was aware of it but had no comment.

“All I can say is that I hope everyone is OK, whatever happened here,” said witness Sam O'Brien. “It's disheartening to watch. Honestly, it's really too bad.”

Newton police announced that they would increase patrols outside places of worship in the coming days.

Officials urged the public to be patient as more facts emerge during the investigation.

“I have two requests,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said at a press conference. “First, let the Newton Police Department do their job and get the facts right. Second, I ask everyone to remain calm.”

Fuller asked people needing help to contact the Riverside Trauma Center at 781-433-0672.

Anyone with video, photos or information from the scene is asked to call the Newton Police Department's Investigations Bureau at 617-796-2104. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at 617-796-2121.

It was not immediately clear whether Hayes had an attorney who could comment on the allegations against him.