A violent encounter unfolded in Newton on Thursday night when a man, who had engaged in a verbal altercation with a group of pro-Israeli demonstrators, ran across the street and tackled one of them. In the midst of the scuffle, another man, identified as Scott Hayes, allegedly fired a shot, injuring the individual who initiated the physical confrontation. The wounded man was immediately rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries, while Hayes was arrested for his involvement in the incident.

According to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, the incident took place around 6:40 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Harvard Streets. The small group of pro-Israeli demonstrators had gathered peacefully when the man in question started exchanging words with them from across the street. Witnesses reported that tensions escalated rapidly as the individual crossed the street and proceeded to tackle one of the demonstrators.

"The individual came very rapidly across the street and tackled one of the demonstrators," explained District Attorney Ryan, highlighting the escalating nature of the altercation. It was during the scuffle that Hayes, a 47-year-old resident of Framingham, allegedly fired a shot from his legally possessed firearm, striking the man who had barged into the pro-Israeli demonstrators.

Video footage filmed by a witness captured the moment when the man charged across the street and initiated the physical confrontation. The video also showed a tense scuffle between the two parties before the gunshot rang out. Investigators are now urging anyone with additional video evidence to come forward and share it with the Newton police.

Hayes now faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as violation of a constitutional right causing injury. These charges will be brought against him during his arraignment at Newton District Court on Friday. While the firearm used in the incident was legally possessed by Hayes, the investigation continues to unfold.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called for calm amidst the community, urging residents to allow the Newton police to carry out their investigation and gather accurate information. The injured man remains in critical condition at a local hospital, with medical professionals providing essential care to treat his life-threatening injuries.

As the investigations into this violent encounter continue, the city of Newton and its residents are left grappling with the aftermath. Mayor Fuller's call for calm echoes the importance of allowing due process to unfold, in order to determine the sequence of events leading up to this incident and deliver justice accordingly.