Iraq War veteran accused of shooting and wounding pro-Palestinian man at Newton rally is released on bail – Boston 25 News

NEWTON, Massachusetts – Cellphone video shows a pro-Palestinian man running across the street at a pro-Israel rally in Newton and attacking an Iraq War veteran, followed shortly after by a shot that wounded the man.

Veteran Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon in Newton District Court on Friday. He had scratches and bruises on his face and nose as he faced the judge.

A judge set bail at $50,000 or $5,000 cash, which Hayes paid. Conditions of his release include that Hayes wear a GPS monitoring device, not possess any weapons, stay away from the victim and the city of Newton, and stay home between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day. His gun license was also suspended.

Hayes did not speak as he left the courthouse Friday afternoon.

Prosecutors said the man shot Thursday, identified in court documents as Caleb Gannon, 31, of Newton, will face assault charges. He is expected to survive, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said. His condition was not known Friday.

Hayes' attorney and supporters said Friday that Hayes should never have been charged.

“I don't think he should have been arrested and I think every minute he is in handcuffs or otherwise in custody is an injustice,” said defense attorney Glenn MacKinley.

He added: “This is a textbook example of self-defense. We are confident that Mr. Hayes will be acquitted of all charges once the investigation is complete.”

The shooting occurred around 6:40 p.m. on Friday near the corner of Harvard and Washington Streets.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Hayes was standing on the street corner with a small group and demonstrating, Ryan said.

Gannon was walking across the street when he began shouting comments to the protesters. A verbal exchange ensued.

He then “ran across the street and tackled Hayes to the ground,” Ryan said. “An altercation ensued during which Hayes allegedly shot the Newton man.” Police arrested Hayes at the scene.

A video obtained by Daily Wire shows the dramatic moments before the shooting, when the pro-Palestinian man charged at Hayes, who was standing across the street with several other pro-Israel protesters, some of whom were waving the Israeli flag.

The video shows Gannon, wearing a Palestinian flag pin, standing on the sidewalk and shouting at protesters from across the street.

“You are sick! You are sick,” he shouts at the pro-Israel demonstrators.

“You are defending a genocide against over 200,000 Palestinians,” he says.

The video then shows him running across the street, attacking Hayes and knocking him to the ground.

“No! No!” a woman screams before the two men scuffle on the ground, with the pro-Palestinian man holding Hayes in a headlock.

A shot is heard. “No! No! Oh my God!” the woman screams.

The two men continue to wrestle, whereupon two other protesters react and try to separate the two.

“Take my gun. Take my gun,” a voice is heard shouting, presumably Hayes.

He asks people to leave the man who attacked him alone.

Another man says: “Call the police.”

Video shows man storming down Newton Street, attacking pro-Israel protester and then shooting

Another video shows the group lifting Gannon, who is helped by Hayes.

“Call 911 immediately,” Hayes shouts to those around him.

“Are you OK, man?” Hayes asks as he helps Gannon take off his shirt to examine his injuries, lays him on the ground, and administers first aid.

Newton Police are asking the public for help in obtaining videos and pictures of the incident.

The police announced that they would also carry out additional patrols in front of places of worship in the coming days.

The Anti-Defamation League of New England expressed concern in a statement Friday morning that law enforcement had filed charges so soon after the shooting.

“ADL is aware that an anti-Israel protester was shot after crossing the street in Newton and violently throwing a pro-Israel protester to the ground. Reports that charges were filed immediately before the investigation was completed are concerning,” ADL New England said.

“No one should be subjected to violence during protests. We call on the Newton Police Department and the Middlesex District Attorney to thoroughly investigate the entire incident. We are concerned about escalating tensions and remain in contact with law enforcement and community officials,” ADL New England said.

A GoFundMe campaign to pay Hayes' legal fees had already raised $135,417 as of 4:35 p.m. Friday.

“Although Scott is not Jewish, he defends the Jewish people and their right to self-determination and self-government throughout Boston, the surrounding area, and throughout New England and the United States. He needs help now that this turmoil has entered his life,” the fundraiser said.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the shooting “horrifying” and “disturbing” in a statement Friday:

I am grateful to the Newton Police Department for their professionalism and skill, as well as the excellent medical care provided by NFD and Coastal.

I am equally grateful for the careful decisions made by District Attorney Ryan and her team.

I encourage all of us to remain calm, speak politely and act respectfully.

The mayor says the Riverside Trauma Center is available if anyone needs emotional support or support services. The center's phone number is 781-433-0672.

Ryan said Newton police, her office and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to her office are currently investigating.

Investigators are still collecting and reviewing video footage of the incident and interviewing witnesses, Ryan said.

The Mayor's Office recommends anyone needing emotional support contact the Riverside Trauma Center. They offer 24/7 support services and referrals to help people after critical incidents, including violence. They can be reached at 781-433-0672.

Hayes is due back in court on November 7.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates as more information becomes available.

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