New Hampshire Shooting: Patrons Stop Gunman at Nashua Country Club Wedding, One Dead and Two Injured in Sky Meadow Restaurant Attack

Published Time: 09-22-2025, 09:15 EDT

Patrons at a New Hampshire country club restaurant are being praised for their bravery after intervening during a deadly shooting that took place alongside a wedding celebration. Authorities say their swift actions prevented what could have been a far greater tragedy.

Gunman Opens Fire at Sky Meadow Country Club

NASHUA, N.H. — A community is in mourning after a shooting at the Sky Meadow Country Club on Saturday evening left one man dead and two others injured. According to New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke, the suspect, identified as Hunter Nadeau, 23, was taken into custody shortly after the incident in a nearby neighborhood.

The victim who lost his life was Robert DeCesare Jr., 59, of Salem, New Hampshire. Authorities confirmed that Nadeau, a former employee of the club, has been charged with one count of second-degree murder. Officials also noted that additional charges are likely to follow for the surviving victims.

Patrons Credited with Preventing Greater Violence

Authorities and witnesses said wedding guests and restaurant patrons acted with “selfless courage” during the chaos. Some attendees attempted to restrain Nadeau, with one witness describing how a chair was used to strike the shooter.

“Those acts of bravery likely saved lives,” Attorney General Formella said at a Sunday press conference.

Wedding DJ Michael Homewood, speaking to WCVB-TV, emphasized how critical the intervention was: “He hit him over the head with a chair, and he probably saved a bunch of lives just doing that.”

Shooter’s Motive Remains Under Investigation

While the suspect reportedly shouted phrases during the attack, including “Free Palestine,” investigators say the shooting does not appear to have been driven by a hate-based motive. Instead, Nadeau appeared intent on creating chaos, according to Formella.

Authorities confirmed there was no known personal connection between Nadeau and DeCesare. Initial reports suggested multiple shooters, but investigators later clarified that Nadeau acted alone.

Nadeau is expected to be arraigned Monday at the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua. Police have not yet confirmed whether he has obtained legal representation.

Victims and Injuries

In addition to DeCesare’s death, two people suffered gunshot wounds—one an employee of the club and the other a guest. Officials said the employee remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, while the condition of the other victim has not been disclosed.

At least four others sustained non-gunshot injuries, including a broken hand, lacerations, and blunt force trauma, Nashua Fire Rescue reported. More than 100 individuals were escorted from the country club to a nearby firehouse for safety and medical evaluation.

Widow of Victim Speaks Out

DeCesare’s widow, Charlene DeCesare, described the profound loss her family now faces. In an email statement, she shared: “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, and maybe others there too. In our hearts, he’s a hero.”

She later added that she and her daughter were closest to the shooter when he entered the room and that her husband shielded them. She remembered him as a devoted family man who loved golf, poker, and pickleball, while urging the public not to spread unfounded speculation about the attack.

Witnesses Recall Chaos During Wedding Celebration

Several witnesses described a scene of shock and confusion as shots rang out during what had been a joyful wedding celebration.

Sophie Flabouris, a guest, said the wedding party had just gathered near the dance floor for a traditional celebration when the shots were fired: “All of a sudden we heard ‘pop, pop, pop.’ Someone yelled ‘Gun!’ and then it was chaos—screaming, running.”

Another guest, Emily Ernst, recalled seeing a masked gunman in black clothing: “We just saw him raise the gun and then we ran. I ran through the kitchen for my life.”

Tom Bartelson of Pepperell, Massachusetts, who was attending his nephew’s wedding, said the celebration turned into panic within seconds: “We heard about six shots and everybody ducked for cover. Next thing you know, we were rushed into safe spots.”

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte expressed condolences to the families affected, pledging state support for the investigation. “We are praying for the victims and their families,” she said in a statement.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the shooting, with Attorney General Formella confirming that more charges are likely as the cases of the surviving victims progress.

Nashua, a city of roughly 90,000 residents located about 45 miles northwest of Boston, has been shaken by the tragedy. For many in attendance, a night meant to celebrate love and community instead became a test of courage, with lives saved by the quick actions of ordinary people who refused to stand by.

Source: AP News – Patrons at New Hampshire restaurant shooting prevented worse tragedy with selfless acts, AG says