A shocking New Hampshire wedding shooting has ignited debate after a witness reported that the gunman shouted “Free Palestine” as he opened fire. The attack unfolded Saturday at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, turning what should have been a celebration into a nightmare.
Witness Tom Bartelson told the Associated Press that the suspect declared, “The children are safe,” and then, “Free Palestine,” before firing shots into the crowd. “Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off,” he recalled. “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.”
Authorities identified the shooter as 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau, who is accused of killing 59-year-old Steven DeCesare and wounding two others. Attorney General John M. Formella confirmed that Nadeau faces a second-degree murder charge, noting, “Additional charges likely will be brought, including for the additional shooting victims.”
The incident highlights the growing concern over politically motivated violence. While investigators have not confirmed a motive, the words allegedly shouted during the rampage raise questions about extremist rhetoric seeping into domestic attacks. Conservatives have long warned that unchecked radicalism—whether imported or homegrown—threatens American communities and families.
