Lyde travelled to Palestine in 1856, and as he rode on his horse into Nablus he shot and killed a beggar who was trying to steal his coat.[8][9][10] It was either an accidental discharge of the gun or Lyde had lost his nerve and fired.[8] An anti-Christian riot ensued during which Christian houses were burned and several Greeks and Prussians were killed.[9][10] Lyde took refuge in the town governor's house but was eventually put on trial for murder.[9] The only witnesses were three women who accused him of attacking and deliberately killing the beggar.[9] However, the testimony of women was inadmissible in Ottoman courts and he was acquitted of murder, although he was ordered to pay compensation to the man's family.[9] The violent rioting continued for several months and even spread to Gaza.[9]