A man was shot and is suffering life threatening injuries after an altercation with a small group of pro-Israel demonstrators in Newton Thursday evening, according to the Middlesex District Attorney. The alleged shooter is in custody and is expected to be arraigned Friday.
District Attorney Marian Ryan said words were exchanged between the man and the demonstrators from across a street near the intersection of Washington and Harvard streets, after which the man crossed the street and tackled one of the demonstrators.
“A scuffle ensued. During that scuffle, the individual who had come across the street was shot by a member of the demonstrating group,” Ryan said at a press conference Thursday night.
Ryan identified the alleged shooter as Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old from Framingham. He is facing charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury, said Ryan. The victim of the shooting was not identified.
Newton police said they will be providing extra security at houses of worship in Newton over the next few days in light of the incident.
At the press conference, Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the incident “frightening” and asked for “everyone to remain calm” while the police work on the case.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
This article was originally published on WBUR.org.
