Framingham Man Charged In Newton Shooting At Pro-Israel Demonstration

NEWTON, MA — A Framingham man was to appear in Newton District Court on Friday on assault and battery charges after a Thursday night shooting at a pro-Israeli rally in Newton left another man with life-threatening injuries.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said at a news conference Thursday night that the shooting happened at about 6:40 p.m. at a small demonstration at Washington and Harvard streets.

According to Ryan, a man walking across the street from the demonstration began exchanging words back and forth with the demonstrators and eventually rushed the demonstrating group.

"During that scuffle," Ryan said, "the individual who had come across the street was shot by a member of the demonstrating group."

Ryan identified the shooter as Scott Hayes, 47, of Framingham. She said he was to be arraigned on Friday on charges of assault and battery and a violation of a constitutional right causing injury.

Newton police asked that anyone with video or photos of the scene contact them at 617-796-2104 or anonymously at 617-796-2121. Police said extra patrols could be put on at houses of worship this weekend.

"This was a frightening incident on Washington Street earlier this evening," Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said on Thursday night. "The Newton Police Department acted quickly and immediately took a person into custody.

"I have two asks," she continued. "First, let the Newton police do their work and get the facts straight. Second, I ask everyone to remain calm."

She said anyone who needs emotional support can reach out to the Riverside Trauma Center at 781-433-0672 or to Newton City Hall social services.

"I know people will have a lot of questions and we will share information with Newtonians and the press when we are able," Fuller said. "It's the really early stages of an active investigation."