Clash at pro-Israel event results in gunshots following an instance where a person physically assails a protester.
The commotion started when an individual unrelated to the rally started yelling at the protesters around 6:40 p.m., as per Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan's statement.
Verbal sparring ensued between the two parties across the street, as relayed by Ryan during a press conference on Thursday. The individual then crossed the street towards the rally and physically engaged with one of the protesters. A struggle ensued, leading to the individual from the other side being shot by a member of the protest group.
The 31-year-old victim was hospitalized and is predicted to recover from his injuries, according to the district attorney's office. They have yet to announce the identity of the Newton resident, but a request for a criminal complaint against him for assault and battery has been submitted, the prosecutor's office stated.
In Ryan's office's statement, "an assault and battery that doesn't occur in the presence of a police officer isn't an arrestable offense." Consequently, the charged individual is entitled to a hearing before the Clerk Magistrate to determine if there's sufficient evidence.
The individual presumed to have been tackled during the scuffle, 47-year-old Scott Hayes from Framingham, is believed to be the protester who shot the aforementioned Newton resident, the prosecutor's office explained. Authorities believe Hayes lawfully owned the firearm used in the shooting.
Hayes was taken into custody and charged with assault and battery with a lethal weapon, as well as infringing upon a constitutional right resulting in injury, the district attorney revealed. He appeared in court on Friday, with a plea of not guilty entered on his behalf. His firearm permit was also revoked, the district attorney noted.
CNN has sought comment from Hayes' attorney.
Social media platforms have been circulating raw footage of the supposed incident. Newton Police Chief George McMains urged the public to share any videos or tips relating to the incident as investigators attempt to understand the circumstances better.
Additionally, McMains announced that increased patrols would be present outside places of worship throughout the coming days.
Newton's mayor urged the public to refrain from jumping to conclusions.
"I have two requests: First, allow the Newton police to gather accurate information," Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said. "Second, I kindly request everyone to maintain their composure."
CNN's Aaron Eggleston contributed to this report.
In the district attorney's statement, they mention that an assault and battery without a police presence isn't typically an arrestable offense, referring to the protester who shot the individual. Following the incident, the 31-year-old victim, who is a Newton resident, was hospitalized and is expected to recover from his injuries.
