NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — A tragic shooting occurred on Saturday at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, resulting in the death of one adult male and injuring several others, according to statements from state authorities. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke confirmed the fatality while also noting that the suspect, also an adult male, was detained at the scene. Initial reports suggesting multiple shooters were later clarified, indicating that there was only one assailant and that the public was no longer in danger.
As the investigation into the motive behind the shooting continues, New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley stated that more details about the circumstances are still being determined. Unfortunately, information regarding the conditions of those wounded in the incident has not yet been released.
Eyewitness accounts detail the chaos that erupted during a wedding celebration at the country club. Tom Bartelson from Pepperell, Massachusetts, reported hearing gunshots amidst the wedding festivities, noting that the shooter made statements such as, "the children are safe," and "free Palestine," which suggests a potential targeting motive. He described the sudden shift from a joyous event to a state of panic, stating, "Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off." The rapid descent into fear prompted many guests to seek cover immediately, exemplified by Bartelson’s description of guests ducking for safety.
Another attendee, Evie O’Rourke from Salem, New Hampshire, expressed her anxiety as she searched for her son, Robert Decesare of Nashua, who was present during the shooting. O’Rourke reported that her daughter-in-law and granddaughter managed to escape but witnessed her son being shot, leaving her in distress as he remained unaccounted for after the incident.
Emily Ernst, another witness, described the shooter as wearing all black and a mask. She recounted, “He had a mask on. We just saw him raise the gun and then we ran," thus emphasizing the urgency and fear of that moment as many fled through the kitchen area to escape the threat.
The aftermath of the shooting saw numerous emergency responders deployed to the scene, including police who worked to secure the area and assist victims. Aerial footage from WMUR-TV captured the scene as first responders dealt with the aftermath. Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess expressed confidence in law enforcement's ability to thoroughly investigate the matter, stating the community should be aware that such violence could occur anywhere, regardless of how unlikely it may seem.
U.S. Representative Maggie Goodlander commented on the shocking nature of the event, highlighting her concern for the victims and their families, as well as for the local community dealing with the tragedy. The Sky Meadow Country Club is located approximately 45 miles northwest of Boston, just across the border in New Hampshire.
The shooting incident raises questions about the underlying causes and motives for such violence, prompting a broader discussion on safety and security in public venues. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to gather all pertinent information and provide updates to the victims’ families and the community.
