A masked gunman who was heard shouting “Free Palestine” has killed one person and left two others wounded after opening fire at a country club in New Hampshire.
On Saturday, the alleged shooter unleashed gunfire on the wedding guests at the Sky Meadow Country Club – just as the bride and groom were about to start their first dance.
The violent frenzy claimed the life of 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare, and left two others injured.
Local authorities have now confirmed that Hunter Nadeau, 23, has been arrested and charged with murder.
PICTURED: ‘Pro-Palestine gunman’ Hunter Nadeau. The 23-year-old has been arrested and charged with murder
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NASHUA POLICE DEPARTMENT
New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said: “Additional charges likely will be brought, including for the additional shooting victims.”
Mr Nadeau was captured by police after a manhunt across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, and was identified as the only suspect, despite reports emerging that two gunman had been involved.
Police have said there is no established link between the suspected shooter and Mr DeCesare, with no specific motive yet determined by authorities.
The seriousness of the injuries sustained by the two wounded attendees are currently unknown.
Mr Nadeau was captured by police following a manhunt across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts
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REUTERS
The groom’s uncle, Tom Bartelson, recalled: “Getting together for a dance for the bride and groom and then all chaos went off.
“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.
“We were trying to keep family members safe… keep everybody down and try to find safe spots.”
Mr Bartelson added that the gunman yelled “free Palestine” and “the children are safe” when he opened fire – and looked to be targeting someone in the crowd.
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Mr DeCesare’s mother, Evie O’Rourke, said she was unable to locate her son after being hit by the gunman.
She said: “He had a mask on. We just saw him raise the gun and then we ran.
“I ran through the kitchen for my life.”
New Hampshire’s Democrat representative Maggie Goodlander said she was “closely monitoring the tragic reports of a shooting tonight at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua”.
New Hampshire’s Democrat representative Maggie Goodlander said she was ‘closely monitoring the tragic reports of a shooting’
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GETTY
The attack came just before US President Donald Trump railed against far-left violence in America.
Mr Trump and senior White House officials have blamed left-wing groups for creating a hostile atmosphere towards conservatives in the run-up to the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk.
On Wednesday, the President designated the far-left Antifa group as a terrorist organisation.
The Commander-in-Chief declared at the time: “Radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives.”
Then, Mr Trump told crowds of thousands at Mr Kirk’s memorial on Sunday: “The violence comes largely from the left… You don’t hear that from too many people.”
