Authorities in New Hampshire have identified the suspect in a fatal shooting at a wedding reception on Saturday evening at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua.
Attorney General John M. Formella announced Sunday morning that 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare.
The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. inside the country club, which was hosting a private wedding reception.
Investigators said Nadeau entered the venue armed with a handgun and opened fire, killing DeCesare and injuring two other adults.
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The two wounded victims have not yet been publicly identified.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the incident unfolded rapidly, with guests forced to seek cover.
Tom Bartelson, who attended the wedding for his nephew, described the panic inside the reception hall. “Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off,” Bartelson told the Associated Press.
“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.”
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Bartelson said the gunman shouted “free Palestine” and “the children are safe” before firing multiple rounds.
BREAKING: 1 dead, multiple injured at a New Hampshire country club after a radical leftist screamed “Free Free Palestine” and started shooting. Leftists are all homicidal sociopaths. pic.twitter.com/WHWZTDMReN
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) September 21, 2025
He recalled the efforts of attendees to protect one another during the ordeal.
“We were trying to keep family members safe,” he said.
“Keep everybody down and try to find safe spots.”
Authorities have not yet established any direct connection between Nadeau and the victims.
Officials emphasized that the motive remains under investigation.
The Nashua Police Department confirmed on Saturday night that Nadeau was taken into custody at the scene.
“Video surveillance has confirmed there was only one shooter and they are currently being detained,” police said on X around 9:30 p.m.
Video surveillance has confirmed there was only one shooter and they are currently being detained. The scene is still an active investigation but there is no further danger to the public.
— Nashua Police (@NashuaPolice) September 21, 2025
Attorney General Formella said Nadeau will face additional charges related to the injuries of the two surviving victims.
He is scheduled to appear in the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua on Monday for arraignment.
The Sky Meadow Country Club, a private venue in southern New Hampshire, has not released a statement regarding the incident.
The wedding, which was being held for a local family, was attended by numerous guests who were forced to flee or shelter in place during the shooting.
Authorities from the New Hampshire State Police and the Nashua Police Department are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the attack, as well as Nadeau’s background and potential motives.
Officials have not disclosed whether federal authorities will assist in the investigation.
The shooting has drawn significant attention due to the suspect’s alleged statements before opening fire and the fact that it occurred during a private family celebration.
As of Sunday evening, the condition of the two injured victims has not been publicly updated.
Officials said further details on the charges and investigation are expected to be released following Nadeau’s court appearance.
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