A shocking incident unfolded at a wedding reception held at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, where patrons bravely intervened to stop a gunman who opened fire. This act of heroism prevented what could have been a far worse tragedy during the joyous occasion. Authorities reported that one individual was killed, and two others sustained injuries as a result of the shooting.
On Saturday night, during the wedding celebration, gunfire erupted, claiming the life of Robert DeCesare Jr., 59. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke confirmed that the suspect, identified as Hunter Nadeau, 23, was apprehended shortly afterward in a nearby neighborhood. Nadeau has been charged with one count of second-degree murder for the intentional shooting of DeCesare.
According to Formella, Nadeau had previously worked at the country club and made various statements during the incident, indicating a desire to create chaos rather than a targeted hate-driven motive. Witnesses reported hearing Nadeau shout "Free Palestine" amidst the confusion. In a courageous attempt to subdue the shooter, a patron struck him with a chair, a move credited with potentially saving numerous lives.
The shooting occurred near a wedding ceremony, and wedding DJ Michael Homewood emphasized the significant impact of the chair strike: "He probably saved a bunch of lives just doing that," he stated in an interview with WCVB-TV. Investigators continue to piece together the motives behind the attack, with authorities expressing that there is no known connection between Nadeau and DeCesare.
Of the two other individuals injured, one was a club employee hospitalized in critical but stable condition, while the other victim's condition remains uncertain. Additionally, several others sustained non-gunshot injuries, including lacerations and blunt force trauma, as the scene descended into chaos. The Nashua Fire Rescue team assisted around 100 individuals from the scene to a nearby firehouse for safety.
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte offered her support, stating that the attorney general’s office would collaborate with Nashua police throughout the investigation. She expressed her thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families, highlighting the community's emotional response to the tragic event.
Charlene DeCesare, the widow of Robert DeCesare, shared her deep trauma in the aftermath of the shooting. In her heartfelt message, she emphasized, "Our lives are forever changed in one moment that would be senseless except for the belief that Rob was trying to protect me and my daughter." Her husband’s heroic actions during the shooting have left a profound impact on their family and community.
Witnesses described a horrific scene as chaos erupted in the country club. Evie O'Rourke, DeCesare's mother, recounted her despair when she couldn't locate her son after the shots rang out. Other guests, including Sophie Flabouris, recounted the shocking moments leading up to the shooting, noting the abrupt transition from celebration to fear as gunfire erupted. "We had just gathered around the dance floor... and all of a sudden we heard 'pop, pop, pop,'" Flabouris recalled.
As the investigation continues, authorities anticipate additional charges for the shooter, considering the circumstances surrounding the other victims. The community stands united in the face of this tragedy, grappling with the shock of such violence during a moment meant for celebration.
