A masked gunman stormed a wedding reception in Nashua, New Hampshire, on Saturday and killed one guest.
The attack occurred just as the bride and groom were about to begin their first dance.
The Shooting
Police identified the suspect as 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau.
He entered the Sky Meadow Country Club around 8 p.m. wearing a mask.
Hunter Nadeau
Witnesses said he flipped off guests and shouted “Free Palestine.”
He also yelled “the children are safe” before opening fire.
Shots rang out as the wedding party scattered in panic.
The gunfire disrupted what had been a joyous celebration.
Guests described chaos as people rushed for cover.
Victims
The victim has been identified as Robert Steven DeCesare, 59.
Family members said he went down during the shooting.
Loved ones said they saw blood and feared the worst.
Robert Steven DeCesare
Six other people were hospitalized with injuries from fleeing.
Their wounds were not from bullets but from the panic.
Authorities said no other fatalities were confirmed.
DeCesare’s family was separated in the aftermath.
Frantic relatives struggled to reunite amid the chaos.
Police Response
Initial reports suggested there were two shooters.
That triggered a massive manhunt in southern New Hampshire.
Authorities also searched across the border into Massachusetts.
Later, video confirmed Nadeau was the lone gunman.
He was captured and charged with second-degree murder.
Nashua police said more charges are expected for injuries.
Nadeau is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Nashua.
He remains in custody awaiting his first court appearance.
Witness Accounts
Guests said the attack came without warning.
Tom Bartelson, the groom’s uncle, described the terrifying scene.
“We heard about six shots and everybody ducked,” he said.
Guests were rushed into safe spots by first responders.
One woman described searching for her missing son.
“My daughter-in-law and granddaughter escaped,” she said.
“They saw my son go down and saw blood.”
The family later learned DeCesare had been killed.
Community Reaction
Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess released a statement after the shooting.
“Our hearts go out to the families of those killed,” he said.
He praised police for quickly capturing the suspect.
“This truly can happen anywhere,” Donchess warned.
The incident shocked the small New Hampshire community.
Police said the motive remains under investigation.
Authorities are still probing whether the attack was targeted.
