Statement Condemning Victim-Blaming Surrounding Newton Attack, Calls for Focus on First Amendment Rights and Self-Defense Laws
On September 12, 2024, a violent altercation occurred during a pro-Israel gathering in Newton, Massachusetts. Caleb Gannon, a known anti-America and anti-Israel activist, charged the gathering targeting one specific demonstrator, leading to Gannon having tackled to the ground one of the demonstrators. In response, the demonstrator, a 47-year-old Iraq War veteran from Framingham, was forced to defend himself and discharged a weapon, seriously injuring Gannon.
The demonstrator that was attacked provided life-saving aid, and the victim was taken to a nearby hospital, where he is expected to survive. As of now, an application for a criminal complaint for assault and battery has been requested against Gannon. The pro-Israel demonstrator had most of his initial charges dropped, although he was ultimately charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities reviewing footage and interviewing witnesses​. ICAN urges the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement to conduct a complete and unbiased investigation into the incident.
This incident highlights the critical need for a discussion about public awareness around First Amendment rights and the life-saving importance of self-defense laws.
ICAN supports protecting public spaces where all individuals are free to fully exercise their right to speak without fear of violence. Everyone has the right to peacefully assemble and express their views, and those rights must be protected by the relevant authorities. Violence, in any form, is an unacceptable excuse for allowing the infringement of free and lawful public discourse and expression. Victims of attacks perpetrated by violent extremists should not be blamed for the actions of their attackers. The victim-blaming, and falsely characterizing peaceful gatherings as antagonistic, must stop.
As the one-year anniversary of the October 7th attacks approaches, ICAN anticipates that several vigils, commemorations, and demonstrations will take place during this period, and ensuring public safety during these events is crucial. ICAN calls on the Massachusetts Attorney General to coordinate with the Commonwealth Fusion Center and provide advisories to local law enforcement agencies.
In addition, in the wake of this incident, ICAN urges our community to educate themselves on their rights under self-defense laws. Laws related to self-defense do not exist so that we can feel good about not using them. These ordinances and statutes exist not as symbolic gestures but are critical life-saving measures.
These laws were enacted with the consensus of the Commonwealth’s elected representatives and executives over many decades, ensuring citizens have the right to protect themselves when threatened. No one should be ashamed of exercising these rights under the law and we encourage residents to consult with their local authorities for more information.
The tragic case of Paul Kessler, who was killed by a pro-Hamas extremist during a pro-Israel gathering in California in 2023, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by peaceful demonstrators. Both incidents reflect a troubling pattern in which individuals exercising their right to free speech in support of Israel are subjected to violent attacks.
In both cases, the victims of these assaults should not be held responsible for the violent actions of those who targeted them. This serves as a reminder of the growing tensions around pro-Israel expression in the U.S., and ICAN remains committed to supporting peaceful advocacy.