A crazed gunman shouted ‘Free Palestine’ before he opened fire on a Nashua, New Hampshire, wedding reception and killed one guest — just as the bride and groom were about to start their first dance, according to witnesses.
Police have charged Hunter Nadeau, 23, with murder after arresting him on Saturday night following the deadly shooting at Sky Meadow Country Club about 40 miles north of Boston.
The victim has been identified as Robert Steven DeCesare, 59.
The armed maniac, wearing a mask, stormed into the wedding, flipped off the guests and shouted “the children are safe” and “Free Palestine,” witnesses told local media.
“Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off,” Tom Bartelson, the uncle of the groom, said. “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
Officials said it’s not clear whether the attack was targeted or random, and they have not determined a motive.
At least six people were hospitalized with injuries they sustained as they sought cover and fled the venue, WMUR reported, citing police sources.
Initial reports suggested that there were two shooters and sparked a massive manhunt in southern New Hampshire and northen Massachusetts.
However, authorities now say that Nadeau is the only suspect.
“Video surveillance has confirmed there was only one shooter and they are currently being detained,” police said on X around 9:30 p.m.
Frantic wedding-goers got separated from loved ones and were attempting to locate the in the aftermath of the shooting.
“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,” Evie O’Rourke said about her son, Robert DeCesare.
Nashua’s Mayor Jim Donchess reacted to the shooting and commended the local police for capturing the alleged gunman.
“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 is expected to be slapped with additional charges stemming from the injured victims.
