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Man charged with shooting pro-Palestinian man in fight at Newton protest gets probation, will likely avoid trial

The case against Scott Hayes could be dismissed in September if the 48-year-old abides by the conditions of his probation.

Scott Hayes left Newton District Court after posting bail on Sept. 13, 2024. Jonathan Wiggs / The Boston Globe, file

June 4, 2025

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A Framingham man charged with shooting someone who allegedly attacked him at a pro-Israel rally in Newton last year has been placed on pre-trial probation, officials announced.

Scott Hayes, 48, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for allegedly shooting Newton resident Caleb Gannon, 31, on Sept. 12, 2024. The Middlesex County District Attorney’s office announced Wednesday that if Hayes follows the conditions of his pretrial probation, his case will be dismissed in September.

Prosecutors have alleged that Hayes was rallying with pro-Israel demonstrators at the corner of Harvard and Washington streets last September when Gannon allegedly shouted comments at the group and sprinted across the street to tackle Hayes. Hayes allegedly shot Gannon during the ensuing struggle.

Hayes previously pleaded not guilty to the charge for his role in the altercation.

If he violates the conditions of his probation, which include the suspension of his license to carry, completing an online course related to civil discourse, staying away from Gannon, and seeking a job, the case will go to trial. Hayes is also not permitted to be in the City of Newton unless he’s attending religious services, going to medical appointments, or driving through on his way to other destinations.

“This resolution is the result of hundreds of hours of in-depth review and analysis by our legal and law enforcement experts,” the DA’s office said in a statement. “It is the appropriate outcome given the facts of this particular case and the state of the evidence.”

Gannon pleaded not guilty last year to a charge of assault and battery related to the incident. He was hospitalized for more than a month following the shooting. His case is ongoing.