Video captures man attacking Iraq War veteran during pro-Israel rally in Newton before shooting
Stunning cell phone video captured a pro-Palestine man running across the street and attacking an Iraq War veteran at a pro-Israel rally in Newton , moments before a gunshot went off, wounding the man.
The veteran, Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, pleaded not guilty in Newton District Court on Friday to the charges he faces in that shooting, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury . He had scratch marks and bruises on his face and nose as he faced the judge.
A judge ordered him released on $5,000 cash bail on conditions that Hayes wear a GPS monitoring device, not have any weapons, stay away from the victim and the City of Newton, be confined to his home during the hours of 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., and be allowed to work.
Prosecutors said the unidentified man shot on Thursday will also be charged by criminal complaint for assault and battery. He suffered life-threatening injuries in the shooting, the district attorney earlier said. His condition was not known Friday.
Video obtained by Daily Wire captured the dramatic moments that led up to the shooting, when the pro-Palestinian man charged at Hayes, who was standing with a few other pro-Israeli protestors across the street, some of them waving the Israeli flag.
The video begins by the man, wearing a Palestinian flag pin, standing on the sidewalk and yelling at protesters from across the street.
"You're sick! You're sick," he shouts to the pro-Israel protestors.
"You are defending genocide. Over 200,000 Palestinians," he said.
The video then shows him running across the street and lunging at Hayes, knocking Hayes to the ground.
"No! No!" A woman screams before the two get into a scuffle on the ground, with the pro-Palestinian man holding Hayes in a tight headlock.
A gunshot is heard. "No! No! Oh my God!" the woman screams.
The two men keep wrestling, and two other demonstrators respond and try to separate the two.
"Grab my pistol. Grab my pistol," a voice, believed to be that of Hayes, is heard shouting, while urging people to get off the man who attacked him.
Another man says, "Call the cops."
The group then lifts the man, who is then helped by Hayes.
"Call 911. Now," Hayes shouts to bystanders.
"Are you okay, man?" Hayes says while helping the man take off his shirt, to check his injuries, and laying him on the ground.
Newton police are looking for the public's help in obtaining any videos or pictures from the incident.
Police said they will also provide extra patrols at houses of worship over the next several days.
In a statement Friday morning, the Anti-Defamation League of New England expressed concern over law enforcement filing charges so soon after the shooting.
"ADL is aware that an anti-Israel protestor was shot after charging across traffic and violently tackling a pro-Israel demonstrator to the ground in Newton. Reports that charges were immediately filed prior to completion of the investigation are concerning," ADL New England said.
"Protests should not subject anyone to violence. We encourage Newton Police and the Middlesex District Attorney to conduct a thorough investigation of 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 set up to pay for Hayes' legal fees had raised $127,144 as of 3:30 p.m. Friday.
'Even though Scott is not Jewish he has been defending the Jewish people and its right for self determination and governance all across Boston, its surroundings and all around New England and the US. He now needs help as this turmoil entered his life,' the fundraiser said.
An investigation is ongoing.
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