Palestinian Supporter Shot After Attacking Iraq War Veteran at Pro-Israel Rally

A heated altercation during a pro-Israel rally in Newton, Massachusetts, escalated into violence on Thursday evening, resulting in a Palestinian supporter being shot in the stomach. The incident occurred after the man violently attacked a pro-Israel demonstrator, Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old Iraq War veteran, during what was described as a peaceful protest.

The altercation unfolded as Hayes and a group of around ten individuals, including veterans and other activists, gathered to raise awareness about Israeli hostages held by the Iranian regime. The protesters were seen waving American, Israeli, and Pahlavi Iranian flags when the Palestinian supporter, wearing a Palestinian pin and a surgical mask, began shouting at them, accusing the group of “defending genocide”​.

Witnesses reported that tensions escalated when the Palestinian supporter, visibly agitated, crossed the street, sprinted through traffic, and tackled Hayes, who was holding an American flag. The two men fell to the ground, leading to a scuffle. During the physical struggle, a gunshot was fired, striking the assailant in the stomach. Videos of the altercation confirmed that the shot was fired while the men were grappling on the ground.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan confirmed that Hayes, who had a legally owned firearm, discharged the weapon during the altercation. The Palestinian supporter, whose identity has not yet been made public, was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Hayes was subsequently arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violating a constitutional right causing injury.

In a press conference, Ryan explained that while Hayes legally possessed the firearm, the circumstances surrounding the shooting warranted legal action. Hayes is expected to face arraignment on Friday in Newton District Court.

Footage from the scene, widely circulated on social media, shows Hayes trying to provide medical assistance to the man who attacked him after the gunshot was fired. The video captures Hayes instructing others at the scene to call 911 and attempting to stabilize the injured man until first responders arrived.

The incident sparked intense debate online, with many expressing support for Hayes, describing his actions as self-defense. Some users on X (formerly Twitter) viewed the incident as emblematic of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One commentator noted, “Palestine attacks; Israel shoots in self-defense; everyone blames Israel”​.

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