An attacker was shot in self-defense by a pro-Israel demonstrator during a mass gathering.

A man in Massachusetts who supports Israel has been charged after prosecutors claim he shot a man wearing a Palestinian flag pin who ran across the street and tackled him during a heated argument about the war in Gaza. The man accused protesters of "defending genocide" and called them "sick."

At approximately 6:40 p.m. in Newton, Scott Hayes, a 47-year-old man from Framingham, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, as well as violation of a constitutional right causing injury, after he shot his attacker in the stomach during a physical altercation on the ground.

Video footage shows that Hayes was tackled and knocked to the ground by a man who had made a beeline from across the street, before being grabbed around the neck on a sidewalk.

Two pro-Israel demonstrators stomped on a pro-Palestinian supporter and dragged him off Hayes after a shot rang out.

In a video posted online, Hayes administered aid to the man seconds after the shooting and instructed an onlooker to call 911. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries and was being treated at a local hospital, as per Ryan.

The protest was initiated at the intersection of Washington Street and Harvard Street, which is approximately seven and a half miles west of Boston, while Hayes and a group of other pro-Israel supporters were demonstrating. Newton, a city with a population of around 90,000 people, has a significant Jewish community.

"On one side of the street, a small group of pro-Israeli demonstrators were protesting, while an individual appeared to be walking randomly on the other side. Words were exchanged between them."

The man in the video footage can be heard saying, "You are sick, you are sick," while wearing a purple T-shirt and shorts with a face mask around his neck.

"Are we sick?" a woman replied, clapping back and laughing.

"Yes, you are defending genocide," the man shouts back.

Hayes can be seen running across a busy pedestrian crossing through traffic and lunging at the man in the next clip.

One of the demonstrators was tackled by the individual who rapidly crossed the street, as Ryan stated.

VIDEO: Pro-Israel demonstrator charged after firing at attacker in apparent self-defense shooting

"On the street, a scuffle occurred and at some point, Mr. Hayes fired a shot from his gun that hit the person who had crossed the street."

Ryan said that Hayes legally owns the firearm.

An online fundraising campaign has been initiated for Hayes, with over $55,000 collected so far.

Despite not being Jewish, Hayes has been participating in Boston demonstrations to support the Jewish people's right to self-determination and governance.

Hayes is expected to be arraigned Friday at Newton District Court.

Ruthanne Fuller, the mayor of Newton, stated that the incident was "terrifying" and urged everyone to remain patient while investigators examine the details.

"Let the Newton police investigate and gather accurate information," Fuller stated. It is the beginning of an active investigation.

The Acting Newton Police Chief George McMains requested the public to share any information or video related to the incident.

Over the next several days, extra police will be patrolling houses of worship, as he stated.