Prosecutors allege Caleb Gannon “verbally antagonized” a group of pro-Israel demonstrators and escalated to physical violence before he was shot. The shooting scene in Newton in September with emergency EMS material left on the sidewalk. David L. Ryan/Boston Globe Staff, File
A Newton man who was shot after he allegedly tackled a pro-Israel demonstrator during a September rally pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault and battery Monday. Caleb Gannon, 32, was released on personal recognizance and given orders to stay away from Scott Hayes, the Framingham man he’s accused of assaulting. Prosecutors have said the Sept. 12 clash began when Gannon shouted at a small group of pro-Israel demonstrators gathered at the corner of Harvard and Washington streets.
Prosecutors Paint a Picture of Verbal Antagonism Escalating into Violence
Prosecutor Christopher Tarrant described how Gannon “verbally antagonized a group of people exercising their right to peacefully demonstrate and escalated his verbal attacks by charging across a busy street and physically attacking the victim, knowing that victim to be armed with a firearm.” The incident, captured in a viral video, led to Gannon being shot during a struggle with Hayes.
Conflicting Perspectives on the Events Unfolded
While Hayes faces charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, his defense attorney, Stephen Colella, portrayed him as someone who attended a peaceful rally armed with a semiautomatic weapon and 20 rounds. Colella highlighted that Gannon, who spent over a month in the hospital recovering from the shooting, has no prior criminal record. Both Gannon and Hayes had expressed opposing views on Israel’s conflict in Gaza through social media in the months leading up to the altercation.
Social Media Clashes and Personal Backgrounds Come to Light
Gannon, known for his anti-Israel stance, called for an end to the United States on social media. In contrast, Hayes, identified as a pro-Israel advocate, did not shy away from displaying firearms, as evidenced by his online posts. The tension between the two individuals culminated in a violent confrontation that left Gannon hospitalized and both parties facing legal consequences.
The Complexities of the Case Unfold in Court
As Gannon prepares to return to court on Feb. 3, the legal battle surrounding the September rally continues to unravel the intricate web of events that led to the altercation. The clash between opposing ideologies and personal histories serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise when tensions escalate in public spaces.
Abby Patkin, a seasoned news reporter covering a wide range of topics, sheds light on the nuances of the case, from the initial confrontation to the legal proceedings that follow. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities at play.