A man suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot after engaging in a physical altercation with a group of pro-Israel demonstrators in Newton, Massachusetts. The incident took place on Thursday evening, according to Marian Ryan, the Middlesex district attorney.

Ryan explained that a small group of pro-Israeli demonstrators had gathered on one side of the street while an unidentified man walked on the other side. An exchange of words occurred between the two parties, escalating when the individual crossed the street and attacked one of the demonstrators.

"A scuffle ensued," Ryan stated, noting that during the confrontation, a member of the pro-Israel demonstration group shot the individual who had crossed the street. The injured individual was rushed to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.

Identified by authorities as Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old resident of Framingham, the person who used the firearm was arrested and subsequently charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon as well as violation of a constitutional right causing injury. Hayes is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday.

Authorities have refrained from commenting on the individual's stance regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. When asked during the news conference, Ryan mentioned that it was premature to speculate on the individual's position.

Video footage of the incident, which has circulated online, captured the confrontation. In the clip, the individual can be seen accusing the pro-Israeli demonstrators of "defending genocide," prompting a heated exchange. The situation intensified when the man ran towards the demonstrators, tackled one of them, and engaged in a physical scuffle.

Additional individuals became involved, with two men seen stepping on and kicking the man who initiated the altercation. It was at this point that a member of the pro-Israel group drew a firearm, which discharged, hitting the man in the stomach.

In a surprising turn of events, after shooting the man, the pro-Israel demonstrator immediately called for emergency assistance and attempted to provide aid.

Witnesses who observed the incident expressed their shock, describing it as "daunting." Concern for the well-being of those involved was paramount.

The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston issued a statement condemning any form of violence in society and emphasizing the importance of peaceful, non-violent public demonstrations. They called for patience during the ongoing investigation and requested clear communication from Newton's mayor, Ruthanne Fuller, and district attorney Ryan.

Newton's acting police chief, George McMains, confirmed that additional patrols would be deployed to "houses of worship" in the city over the coming days as a precautionary measure. Mayor Fuller referred to the incident as "frightening" and assured the public that the investigation was ongoing.

Congressman Jacob Auchincloss, who represents Massachusetts's fourth congressional district, denounced violence in political discourse and commended the swift response of law enforcement. He expressed his support for a thorough investigation into the incident.

As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful for the full recovery of the injured individual.