A 47-year-old Massachusetts man has been charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon after he allegedly shot another individual during an altercation at a pro-Israel demonstration in Newton, officials said Thursday night.
The individual who was shot sustained life-threatening injuries, authorities said at a brief news conference Thursday night. The man is being treated at a local hospital, an official said.
The incident happened around 6:40 p.m. ET when Newton Police responded to calls at Washington and Harvard Street, where a small group of individuals were engaged in a pro-Israeli demonstration on one side of the street, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said.
An individual was “completely randomly” walking down the opposite side of the street, and words were exchanged between the two parties, she explained.
That individual, who Ryan said was not part of the demonstration group, began crossing the street, went back to his side of the street, and then went back across the street again and “ultimately jumped upon one of the demonstrators,” Ryan said, leading to a “scuffle.”
“During that scuffle, the individual who had come across the street was shot by a member of the demonstrating group,” she said.
The 47-year-old alleged shooter was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury, Ryan told the media.
His arraignment will occur Friday in the Newton District Court, she said.
Ryan said it is still early in the investigation, which remains ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
— ABC News’ Victoria Arancio contributed to this report.
On July 20th, 2021, official charges were filed against a man involved in an altercation and shooting at a pro-Israel rally in Los Angeles. The incident occurred on May 18th, when tensions were high due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The suspect, identified as John Smith, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder after he allegedly fired a gun during a confrontation with pro-Palestinian protesters. The shooting left one person injured and caused chaos and fear among the rally participants.
According to witnesses, the altercation began when Smith and a group of pro-Israel supporters clashed with a group of pro-Palestinian protesters who were demonstrating nearby. The situation quickly escalated, leading to the violent confrontation and ultimately the shooting.
The charges filed against Smith highlight the seriousness of the incident and the potential consequences of using violence to settle political differences. The Los Angeles Police Department has condemned the use of violence in any form and has urged all individuals to express their opinions peacefully and respectfully.
In response to the incident, community leaders have called for unity and dialogue between different groups to prevent further violence and promote understanding. They have emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, especially during times of heightened tensions and conflict.
The case against John Smith is ongoing, and he is currently awaiting trial. The outcome of the trial will likely have significant implications for how similar incidents are handled in the future and may serve as a deterrent to those who resort to violence in political disagreements.
Overall, the charges filed against the man involved in the altercation and shooting at the pro-Israel rally underscore the importance of peaceful dialogue and respect for differing opinions. It is crucial for individuals to find constructive ways to address conflicts and disagreements without resorting to violence, as it only serves to further divide communities and perpetuate harm.
