Scott Hayes, an Iraq War veteran, is pleading self-defense after being charged in a shooting incident at a pro-Israel demonstration in Newton, Massachusetts.
At a Glance
- A pro-Israel rally in Newton, Massachusetts, turned violent, resulting in the arrest of Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old Iraq War veteran.
- Hayes is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after allegedly shooting a man who tackled him.
- Hayes pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming self-defense.
- The shooting victim, Caleb Gannon, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries but is expected to survive.
- A GoFundMe campaign was launched to cover Hayes’ legal defense, raising over $260,000.
The Incident at the Protest
During a pro-Israel rally in Newton, Massachusetts, a violent confrontation resulted in the arrest of Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old Iraq War veteran. Hayes allegedly shot Caleb Gannon, who tackled him amidst the protest activities.
Caleb Gannon, the shooting victim, suffered life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized but is expected to make a recovery.
We stand with Scott Hayes, who was defending himself after being attacked by a pro-Hamas maniac in Massachusetts. https://t.co/gjRaFBQfvf
— RJC (@RJC) September 13, 2024
Legal Proceedings and Self-Defense Claim
Hayes faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Despite these charges, he pleaded not guilty, asserting he acted in self-defense during the altercation. The GoFundMe page supporting Hayes notes, “Scott was wrestling with him when a gun went off. As soon as Scott noticed his assailant was hurt he provided emergency medical treatment.”
Scott was wrestling with him when a gun went off. As soon as Scott noticed his assailant was hurt he provided emergency medical treatment.
The Newton Police Department confirmed heightened patrolling around local houses of worship following the incident, reflecting elevated community tensions.
Scott Hayes, facing charges after allegedly shooting a man who tackled him at Newton pro-Israel rally last night, tweeted this in May. I screenshotted in June b/c I was looking into his role organizing pro-Israel rallies in Brookline pic.twitter.com/9qU2EvyzQt
— Sam Mintz (@samjmintz) September 13, 2024
Community Reaction and Broader Impact
The pro-Israel demonstration shooting involving Hayes has evoked a significant response, both supporting and opposing his actions. Donations for Hayes’ legal defense have exceeded $260,000 through GoFundMe. His prior employer, National Grid, terminated his contract, revoking his work access after the incident. National Grid’s decision stems from concerns over workplace safety and public perception.
Hayes, active in defending Jewish rights despite not being Jewish himself, continues to engage with Israel-centric events. Legal developments will determine the culmination of this incident amid divided public opinion.
