A Night of Celebration Shattered

What was supposed to be a night of love, joy, and family unity at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, descended into chaos on Saturday evening when a lone gunman opened fire at a wedding reception. Police have identified the alleged shooter as Hunter Nadeau, 23, who now faces charges of murder and is expected to be hit with more counts for the wounded victims.

The victim has been identified as Robert Steven DeCesare, 59, a beloved father, husband, and friend who had come to celebrate the union of two families — only to be gunned down in front of hundreds of horrified guests.

Witnesses described scenes of pandemonium as the shooter, wearing a mask, stormed into the reception hall around 7:30 p.m., raising his middle finger at guests before shouting phrases like “the children are safe” and “Free Palestine.” Then came the gunfire.

Witnesses Recall Moments of Horror

“They were just getting ready for their first dance when it all went off,” said Tom Bartelson, the uncle of one of the grooms. “We heard about six shots, everyone ducked, and people just started running everywhere — into the kitchen, out the doors, anywhere they could.”

Guests described overturned chairs, shattered glasses, and screams piercing the once festive atmosphere. Some sought cover under tables while others shielded children or elderly relatives. At least six people were hospitalized, many not from bullets but from injuries sustained while fleeing the gunfire.

A Frantic Search for Loved Ones

For many, the horror did not end when the gunman fled through the kitchen. Families scrambled to find loved ones in the chaos.

“We don’t know where he is,” Evie O’Rourke said, searching desperately for her son, Robert DeCesare, before officials confirmed his death. “My daughter-in-law and granddaughter escaped, but they saw my son go down. They saw blood. We can’t find him.”

Ambulances lined up outside the venue, while buses transported guests to a nearby Sheraton hotel, which authorities quickly transformed into a reunification center. Distraught parents clutched children, and newlyweds covered in tears embraced as police sealed off the area.

The Capture

Initial reports triggered panic across southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, with law enforcement agencies on high alert for a possible second shooter. Residents were urged to shelter in place as helicopters circled overhead.

By 9:30 p.m., however, officials clarified that Nadeau acted alone. “Video surveillance has confirmed there was only one shooter and they are currently being detained,” Nashua police said in a statement. The suspect was subdued and taken into custody after dropping his weapon when confronted by guests and officers.

Authorities React

Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke and Attorney General John Formella confirmed that Nadeau was in custody and would face arraignment on Monday in the Ninth Circuit Court in Nashua. “This remains an active investigation, but there is no ongoing danger to the public,” Formella assured.

Mayor Jim Donchess echoed the grief of the community. “Our hearts go out to the families of those killed or injured,” he wrote. “This truly can happen anywhere. I want to thank the Nashua PD for their quick work in catching the suspect.”

A Venue of Dreams, Now a Crime Scene

The Sky Meadow Country Club, a premier wedding and golf venue about 40 miles north of Boston, has long been known for its manicured lawns and elegant event halls. Its Instagram feed usually features smiling brides and sunset ceremonies — but now images of flashing police lights and barricaded roads dominate.

By late evening, stunned guests in gowns and tuxedos were still being escorted to safety as crime scene tape surrounded the once joyous site.

A Community Shaken

The shooting has sent shockwaves not only through Nashua but across New England, where weddings are a staple of community life. U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) posted, “Billy and I are praying for those injured. There is no place in our state for this type of senseless violence.”

Investigators have yet to determine whether Nadeau had a direct connection to the wedding party or whether his actions were politically motivated, random, or symptomatic of deeper instability. For now, the motive remains unclear.

From Joy to Tragedy

For the couple who had dreamed of their first dance surrounded by loved ones, the night will be forever marred by trauma. Instead of toasts and laughter, the soundtrack was gunfire and screams.

What should have been the happiest day of their lives will now be remembered as one of New Hampshire’s darkest nights — a brutal reminder of how quickly love and celebration can be shattered by senseless violence.