A pro-Israel rally in a Boston suburb turned violent on Thursday evening, with a passerby being shot in a melee after clashes with a group of protesters, authorities said.
Police were called to the scene of a small gathering in Newton at 6:40 p.m.
We exchanged words The pedestrians hurried across the road. Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said the man tackled one of the protesters.
“A scuffle ensued and during the scuffle an individual crossing the road was shot by a member of the protesters,” Ryan said at a news conference late Thursday.
Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a dangerous weapon and violation of constitutional rights resulting in bodily injury.
An arraignment is scheduled for Friday in District Court, Ryan said.
The shooting victim, whose identity has not been released, suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was being treated at a hospital, Ryan said.
Newton Acting Police Chief George McMains asked witnesses to provide investigators with any photos or video of the crash.
He said police would be conducting extra patrols at “places of worship” over the next few days.
Newton Mayor Ruthann Fuller called the shooting a “horrific incident” and asked everyone to remain calm while police investigate.
“We know people have many questions, and we will share information with Newton officials and the press when possible,” Fuller said. “It's still early in an active investigation.”
