CONCORD, NH – An armed individual opened fire in the lobby of New Hampshire’s only state-run psychiatric hospital on Friday, leading to the fatal shooting of a veteran security guard. Authorities responded to the situation rapidly, with a state trooper engaging and subsequently killing the assailant.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety identified the fallen security guard as Bradley Haas, 63, of Franklin. Haas had an illustrious 28-year career in law enforcement and had attained the rank of police chief before serving as a security officer at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord. Further details about the shooter and possible motives behind the attack remain undisclosed as investigations continue.
New Hampshire State Police Col. Mark Hall assured the public that there was no continuing threat to the community or to the patients and staff within the hospital. The quick intervention by law enforcement brought the situation under control. The deadly exchange of gunfire occurred shortly after the suspect entered the hospital lobby and attacked Haas, who was immediately given CPR and transported to Concord Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Governor Chris Sununu acknowledged the severity of the incident and emphasized the state’s swift action to secure the area. While the suspect was confirmed dead, the hospital’s campus underwent thorough security checks. Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed her devastation over the violence and offered condolences to those affected.
The facility where the incident unfolded is a critical infrastructure in New Hampshire, providing psychiatric care for adults within its approximately 185-bed capacity. Located in the state capital, the hospital is part of a complex near essential civic buildings. The response to the tragedy saw a heavy law enforcement presence, including local police and the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department, as well as state police.
As the situation has been resolved, officials affirm there is no ongoing threat, although they continued evaluating a vehicle deemed suspicious on the premises. The investigation into this grave incident is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
