Pro-Israel rally in Newton escalates into violence: Man shot, suspect arrested

A pro-Israel rally in Newton escalated into violence Thursday night when a bystander was shot during a scuffle after confronting a group of protesters, authorities said.

Police were called to the scene of a small rally at 6:40 p.m. There was an exchange of words before a bystander quickly crossed the street and attacked one of the protesters, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said.

“A scuffle ensued. During that scuffle, the individual who was crossing the street was shot by a member of the protesting group,” Ryan said during a press conference late Thursday.

Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham was arrested on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right with bodily injury. He is scheduled to be arraigned in District Court on Friday, Ryan said.

The shooting victim, whose identity has not been released, is being 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 altercation. He said police would conduct additional patrols outside “places of worship” in the coming days.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the shooting a “frightening incident” and urged everyone to remain calm during the police investigation.

“I know people will have a lot of questions, and we will share the information with Newtonians and the press as soon as we are able,” Fuller said. “It's really still early stages of an active investigation.”