NASHUA, N.H. — A 23-year-old gunman opened fire during a wedding at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua on Saturday, killing one man and injuring two others, according to state and local authorities.
The victim fatally shot was Robert Steven DeCesare, 59, of New Hampshire, officials said in a joint statement by New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke.
The suspect, identified as Hunter Nadeau, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder for knowingly causing DeCesare’s death. Authorities said additional charges are expected, related to the two other shooting victims whose conditions were not immediately released.
Initial reports suggested a possible second shooter, but police later clarified that Nadeau acted alone. Officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The shooting erupted during a wedding celebration at the country club, just as guests were gathering for a dance. Eyewitnesses described chaos, with gunfire suddenly breaking the festive atmosphere.
“We heard about six shots, and everybody ducked for cover,” said Tom Bartelson, a guest from Pepperell, Massachusetts. “We were trying to keep family members safe and find secure spots.”
Bartelson also recalled hearing the shooter shout phrases like “the children are safe” and “free Palestine”, indicating he may have been targeting someone specific.
Another witness, Emily Ernst, described seeing the shooter dressed in all black with a mask, raising a gun before she fled through the kitchen.
Evie O’Rourke, the mother of the deceased, said her daughter-in-law and granddaughter escaped, but watched as DeCesare was shot. “He went down… They saw blood,” she said.
Emergency responders flooded the scene shortly after, and aerial footage captured by WMUR-TV showed police and medics surrounding the venue.
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess expressed confidence in local law enforcement, saying, “No matter how unlikely it seems, it can happen where you live.”
U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander released a statement expressing condolences: “My heart is with the victims, their families, and the Nashua community.”
Authorities are still investigating the motive, and Hunter Nadeau is expected to be arraigned Monday at the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua.
Nashua is located roughly 45 miles northwest of Boston, near the Massachusetts border.
