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A peaceful pro-Israel protest erupted in violence when an unhinged Palestinian protester charged an Iraqi veteran who then allegedly shot him in the stomach in self-defense.

Scott Hayes, 47, is the military veteran who was involved in the altercation. He reportedly administered first aid to his attacker after the man was shot. The protest had taken place in the Boston, Massachusetts suburb of Newton on Thursday when the incident occurred.

Hayes was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan. He’s also being charged with the violation of a constitutional right causing injury after the man who attacked him suffered “life-threatening injuries.” He is reportedly in stable condition.

The veteran legally owns the gun according to the Boston 25 News, and there have been no reports of charges against Hayes’ attacker.

Video journalist Kassy Akiva, who is with the Daily Wire, caught the incident on video, and has gone viral on social media.

Source: The Daily Wire/Kassy Akiva

The unnamed assailant can be seen rushing Hayes while a woman screamed. A fight ensued and at some point in the wrestling, a gun was discharged.

The attacker had been screaming at the pro-Israel protesters from across the street, accusing them of genocide before he ran at them and lunged at the veteran. He was wearing a Palestinian flag pin to show solidarity with those supporting Hamas according to the Daily Mail.

“‘You’re sick! You’re sick,’ he shouted, prompting an outraged response from the demonstrators. ‘You are defending genocide. Over 200,000 Palestinians,’ he added before trailing off,” the media outlet recounted.

Then he bum-rushed Hayes, tackling him to the ground as others came to the aid of the veteran.

Source: The Daily Wire/Kassy Akiva

“‘No! No!’ A woman screamed before the two engaged in a scuffle on the ground with the man gripping Hayes in a headlock,” the Daily Mail reported.

As the men fought and grappled with one another, a gunshot rang out. Two other men who were part of the demonstration then attempted to pull the men apart. They stomped on the Palestinian supporter who seemed absolutely intent on taking the veteran out with his bare hands.

“‘Grab my pistol,’ a voice thought to be Hayes’ was heard shouting as he urged people to get off the attacker,” the Daily Mail wrote.

The men yanked the Palestinian supporter to his feet in one clip and in another, he could be seen being laid down as Hayes told people to call 911.

Source: The Daily Wire/Kassy Akiva

“‘Are you okay man?’ Hayes asked as he lifted the man’s shirt to check his injuries,” the media outlet noted.

Hayes is set to be arraigned in Newton District Court today.

Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller called the altercation a “frightening incident.” She’s calling for calm as the matter is investigated.

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

Source: The Daily Wire/Kassy Akiva

In response to the attack, Middlesex Police will step up patrols around places of worship.

The New England branch of the Anti-Defamation League slammed authorities for charging Hayes so quickly.

“Reports that charges were immediately filed prior to completion of the investigation are concerning,” the organization’s statement read. “Protests should not subject anyone to violence. We encourage Newton Police and the Middlesex District Attorney to conduct a thorough investigation of the entire incident.”

“We are concerned about escalating tensions and remain in contact with law enforcement and community officials,” the Anti-Defamation League commented.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Hayes with his legal fees. So far, over $80,000 has been raised.

“Even though Scott is not Jewish he has been defending the Jewish people and its right for self determination and governance all across Boston, its surroundings and all around New England and the US. He now needs help as this turmoil entered his life,” the fundraiser declares.

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