NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, when a gunman opened fire, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to several others. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke confirmed that the deceased victim was an adult male.
The suspect, also an adult male, was detained at the scene of the shooting, and earlier reports suggesting the presence of two shooters were found to be inaccurate. Authorities assured the public that there was no ongoing threat following the incident.
Investigators are currently seeking to establish a motive for the attack, with New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley providing updates on the situation. As of now, details regarding the conditions of the injured victims have not been released.
Eyewitness Tom Bartelson from Pepperell, Massachusetts, recounted the chaotic atmosphere during a wedding event at the country club. He described hearing the shooter say phrases like “the children are safe” and “free Palestine,” indicating a possible targeted motive. Bartelson stated, “Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off,” highlighting how rapidly the tranquil celebration turned into panic.
In the confusion that ensued, attendees sought cover as shots rang out. Bartelson recalled around six gunshots and the desperate attempts of guests to flee the area and secure their loved ones amidst the chaos. “We were trying to keep family members safe,” he said, adding that people dropped to the ground in fear and rushed to find safety.
Another witness, Evie O’Rourke from Salem, New Hampshire, was reported to be searching for her son, Robert Decesare of Nashua, who went down during the shooting. She expressed deep concern, stating, “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.”
Emily Ernst, another attendee, described the gunman as dressed entirely in black and wearing a mask. She recounted, “He had a mask on. We just saw him raise the gun and then we ran.” Ernst fled through the kitchen in a state of panic to escape the situation.
Aerial footage from WMUR-TV captured multiple emergency vehicles responding to the emergency at the country club. Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess expressed trust in the police to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring the perpetrator to justice. He noted the unsettling reality of the situation, stating, “I think the message is for every community out there is that no matter how unlikely it seems it can happen where you live.”
U.S. Representative Maggie Goodlander also addressed the situation, stating that she was “closely monitoring the tragic reports of a shooting tonight at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua” and extended her thoughts to the victims, their families, and the community affected by this violence.
Nashua is located approximately 45 miles (70 kilometers) northwest of Boston, just across the Massachusetts border, making this event particularly alarming for the surrounding area and communities.
