Scott Haynes, 47, was walking along Washington Street in Newton, Massachusetts, near a pro-Israel demonstration when he was confronted by a man who crossed the street to approach him.
According to Haynes' attorney, the two men exchanged words from opposite sides of the street before the other man swiftly crossed over and tackled Haynes to the ground.
In response, Haynes shot the assailant, causing life-threatening injuries. The injured man was transported to a hospital for treatment. The circumstances surrounding the confrontation are still under investigation.
Police arrested Scott Haynes and charged him with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as violation of a constitutional right causing injury, according to District Attorney Marian Ryan. Haynes is scheduled to be arraigned in Newton District Court on Friday. His attorney has stated that the firearm involved in the shooting was legally owned.
Local officials, including the mayor and police, have emphasized that it remains unclear whether the incident was directly connected to the nearby pro-Israel demonstration. Newton police have called for anyone with footage of the altercation to come forward and announced plans to increase patrols at houses of worship in the coming days as a precaution.
* Arutz 7 contributed to this article.
