Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan speaks during Newton Police Department press conference on Thursday evening. Photo: Newton Police Department
NEWTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A peaceful pro-Israeli protest turned violent on Thursday night.
In a press conference, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said that a shooting happened around 6:40 pm Thursday at the intersection of Washington Street and Harvard Street.
The moment was captured on cell phone video and showed a man who was not part of the protesting group who after a brief verbal confrontation, allegedly approached and tackled another man to the ground.
Several protesters reached to assist the man when the attacker was shot.
The alleged shooter, who was also part of the demonstrating group, was identified as 47-year-old Scott Hayes of Framingham, a veteran of the Iraq War.
Ryan said that Hayes was placed under arrest and will be charged with “assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.”
The victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The Jewish Community Relations Council of Boston said in a statement that "while the details of what happened are still being investigated, there should be no question that violence of any kind in our democratic society is abhorrent."
Newton Police said that they will be increasing security around houses of worship for the next several days.
This is an ongoing investigation. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
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