A GUNMAN allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” before opening fire at a wedding reception, killing one guest and injuring several others as the bride and groom prepared for their first dance.
Chaos erupted inside the venue as terrified guests ducked for cover, unsure if they would survive the attack.
Police have charged 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau with alleged murder in connection with the attack[/caption]
The victim has been identified as 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare[/caption]
The suspect allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” before opening fire at a wedding reception[/caption]
At least six people were hospitalized for injuries sustained while fleeing the venue[/caption]
The shooting happened at Sky Meadow Country Club, about 40 miles north of Boston in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Police have charged 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau with alleged murder in connection with the attack.
The victim has been identified as 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare.
Witnesses said Nadeau, wearing a mask, stormed into the reception, flipped off attendees, and shouted, “The children are safe” and “Free Palestine.”
“Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom, and then all chaos went off,” said Tom Bartelson, the groom’s uncle, Fox News reported.
“We heard about six shots and everybody ducked for cover, and next thing you know, we’re rushed into safe spots and things like that.”
Authorities have not determined whether the shooting was targeted or random, and the alleged suspect’s motive remains under investigation.
At least six people were hospitalized for injuries sustained while fleeing the venue, police told ABC local affiliate WMUR reported.
Initial reports suggested there may have been two shooters, sparking a massive manhunt in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
Officials later confirmed that video surveillance shows Nadeau was the only alleged shooter.
“Video surveillance has confirmed there was only one shooter, and they are currently being detained,” police said on X.
Family members were separated during the chaos, struggling to locate loved ones in the aftermath.
Evie O’Rourke described the scene: “We don’t know where he is. He went down. My daughter-in-law and granddaughter escaped … They saw my son go down and they saw blood, and we can’t find him.”
Mayor Jim Donchess of Nashua commended police for their swift work in capturing the suspect.
New Hampshire Wedding Shooting
- Alleged Shooter: Hunter Nadeau, 23
- Victim: Robert Steven DeCesare, 59
- Location: Sky Meadow Country Club, Nashua, New Hampshire
- Time: Around 8:30 pm, Saturday
- Incident: Alleged gunman shouted “Free Palestine” before opening fire during wedding reception
- Injuries: At least six people hospitalized, none life-threatening
- Police Response: Alleged shooter arrested; investigation ongoing
- Charges: Second-degree murder; additional charges expected for injured victims
- Motive: Unknown; no known connection between alleged shooter and victims
“Our hearts go out to the families of those killed or injured. Thank you the Nashua PD for quick work in catching the ‘person of interest.’ This truly can happen anywhere,” Donchess wrote on Facebook.
Nadeau faces second-degree murder charges and is expected to be arraigned Monday at the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua.
Additional charges are likely related to the other victims who were shot.
Attorney General John M. Formella said investigators are still determining a motive and confirmed there is no known connection between Nadeau and the victims.
Witnesses reported seeing the alleged shooter enter from the restaurant area of the club, carrying a handgun.
“It was really strange. The one thing I can say is when he was walking across the dance floor, I could tell he was the guy because he wasn’t dressed up for a wedding…he just looked like a weirdo,” said Mike Homewood, who attended the wedding.
Sophie Flabouris, another guest, said she hid under a table as the alleged shooter ran through the reception and into the kitchen after someone hit him over the head with a chair.
“I first initially hid under the table with a tablecloth. Your next thought is, am I safe here? Am I a sitting duck? What’s going to happen?” Flabouris said.
Sky Meadow Country Club is a private venue with a golf course, restaurants, and a function hall, hosting weddings and other events.
The Sheraton in Nashua was used as a reunification point for the wedding guests, and Red Cross volunteers brought therapy dogs to help people cope with trauma.
Police stressed the investigation is ongoing, and more charges could follow for the injured victims.
Authorities said Nadeau acted alone, and the case is being closely reviewed by state and local law enforcement.
Nadeau faces second-degree murder charges[/caption]
