Scott Hayes’s presence at a pro-Israel rally in Newton left the town in turmoil, resulting in a complicated legal battle he’s fighting fervently to win.
At a Glance
- Scott Hayes claims self-defense after a shooting incident at a pro-Israel rally.
- Despite a not-guilty plea, he lost his job due to revoked access by National Grid.
- A GoFundMe campaign raised over $260,000 for his legal defense.
- Caleb Gannon, the victim, is recovering from life-threatening injuries.
Incident Overview
During a pro-Israel rally in Newton, Massachusetts, an altercation turned violent when Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old Iraq War veteran, allegedly shot Caleb Gannon, a protestor with opposing views. Hayes, charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, insists the shooting was an act of self-defense after Gannon tackled him. The incident has stirred local and national discussions about the brouhaha’s racial and political undertones.
Hayes is known for his advocacy for Jewish rights despite not being Jewish himself. He was present at the rally for work related to gas leak detection when the conflict escalated. Contrarily, Gannon, known for his radical social media posts, allegedly charged at Hayes, leading to the altercation. Police have indicated intent to charge Gannon with assault alongside his contentious social media history.
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 Public Response
Following his arraignment, Hayes pleaded not guilty and was initially released on a $5,000 bond with conditions including a GPS tracking device. Public support for Hayes has been robust, with a GoFundMe campaign amassing over $260,000, underscoring divided public opinion. Additionally, a judge eventually lifted his curfew and GPS restrictions while maintaining a firearms ban.
“Scott was wrestling with him when a gun went off,” the GoFundMe, which identified Hayes as an “American Iraq War Veteran,” states.
The incident has resulted in Hayes’s unemployment, as National Grid withdrew his work access. Various Jewish organizations and community leaders criticize the charges against Hayes, perceiving them as politically motivated and unjust. Additionally, his actions have reportedly galvanized local Jewish communities, driving increased activism for Jewish self-determination.
Ongoing Fallout and Community Impact
The altercation has significantly impacted local policies, prompting the Newton Police Department to increase patrols around houses of worship. The wider community is grappling with heightened tensions, with questions raised about the handling of the incident by the Middlesex District Attorney. Meanwhile, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston continues to back Hayes’s dismissal of the civil rights charge.
The discussions surrounding the case have reached beyond individual involvement, sparking broader debates about race, politics, self-defense, and employment repercussions. As public discourse continues, so too does the division between those backing Hayes’s rights and those demanding accountability for the shooting.
