Self Defense Results in Temporary Banishment and “Re-education”
What, by all accounts, was a clear case of self-defense resulted in criminal charges and civil rights violations on the victim!
Self Defense Results in Temporary Banishment and “Re-education”
In September 2024, 47 year old, Scott Hayes, was attending a pro-Israel rally in the city of Newton when a man ran across the street and tackled him to the ground. While still on top of him, the victim exercised his Second Amendment right and defended himself. As a result, the attacker was shot in the abdomen while still on top of Hayes.
Videos show clearly the man who assaulted Hayes was the aggressor. Despite that, Hayes and others attending the rally tried to render aid to the attacker. Still, Hayes was arrested on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and violation of a constitutional right causing injury.
This June (2025), Hayes and his attorney agreed to a deal that resulted in him being required to have his firearms license suspended through September, take an online “civil discourse” class, and stay out of the City of Newton for three months other than for religious services and medical care. According to news reports this was done to avoid criminal prosecution.
“While we realize that Mr. Hayes had to do what was best for him, the mere fact that the local District Attorney sought charges against him demonstrates the level of bigotry the Second Amendment community face in Massachusetts. How in the world was a victim of an attack charged with a civil rights violation,” said Jim Wallace Executive Director of GOAL. “This is how Massachusetts works. Anyone who carries for self-defense fully understands that if your firearm even leaves the holster, the prosecutors will make an example of you.”
