A protest in Newton, Massachusetts, turned violent on Thursday when a Hamas supporter was shot after attacking a pro-Israel demonstrator. The entire incident was captured on video and is being investigated by local authorities.
The Hamas supporter began by shouting accusations of “genocide” and exaggerating the death toll in Gaza. When one of the pro-Israel protesters responded verbally, the situation escalated as the Hamas supporter ran across the street and tackled the protester to the ground.
What the Hamas supporter didn’t realize was that the man he attacked was an Iraq War veteran with a concealed firearm. During the struggle, the veteran fired his weapon, hitting the Hamas supporter in the stomach. It is not clear if the shooting was accidental or purposeful.
Medical assistance was provided immediately by those at the scene, including the veteran, and the Hamas supporter was later transported to a hospital where he is in stable condition. The veteran was taken into custody, and the police are continuing their investigation.
While Massachusetts’ laws regarding firearms and self-defense are strict, the fact that the Hamas supporter initiated the physical confrontation could support the veteran’s case. Authorities will now determine if the shooting falls under the state’s self-defense guidelines.
