New Hampshire

‘Senseless violence': Lawmakers react to ‘horrifying' shooting at NH Hospital

All four members of New Hampshire's delegation reacted to news of the shooting on social media, as did Gov. Chris Sununu

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11/18/23 UPDATE: The gunman was identified on Saturday as 33-year-old John Madore.

Politicians in New Hampshire decried the "senseless violence" Friday afternoon that left two people dead, including the gunman, at a state-run hospital in Concord, New Hampshire.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said she was horrified by the shooting reports and closely monitoring the situation, writing, "My heart goes out to all those impacted by this senseless violence."

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas acknowledged how quickly members of law enforcement responded to the scene in Concord, saying he remains incredibly grateful for their service and sacrifice.

"Bradley Haas served our state and nation with distinction," Pappas said Saturday. "I join all Granite Staters mourning his death and keeping his family in our thoughts at this very difficult time."

U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan said she was also grateful for the work of law enforcement and praying for those impacted by the shooting, adding that she was heartbroken to hear that the shooting victim had died from their injuries.

"Bradley Haas spent his life dedicated to protecting the people of New Hampshire, including as Franklin’s chief of police and in the U.S. Army," Hassan said Saturday. "His bravery will never be forgotten and I know all Granite Staters are thinking of his family today."

U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster shared that her heart broke to hear update on the shooting victim, adding that her thoughts were with the victim, their family and the Concord community.

She also thanked state police and first responders who responded to the "horrifying" scene so quickly.

Once the victim had been identified later Friday, Kuster shared another message on social media, writing, "My heart is with the family and loved ones of NH Department of Safety security officer Bradley Haas."

"From his 28 years in the Franklin Police Department, including as chief, to his time as a U.S. Army police officer, we are eternally grateful for his lifetime of public service," she added.

The speaker of the House of Representatives for the State of New Hampshire extended his condolences to the Haas family on Saturday, saying the former police chief had made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The head of the New Hampshire State Police announced that a gunman killed a person at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord before being killed by a state trooper Friday afternoon.

Gov. Chris Sununu extended his condolences "to the family of Department of Safety Security Officer Bradley Haas of Franklin, NH, who gave his life today protecting the patients & staff at New Hampshire Hospital."

"He will be remembered for his heroism and decades of public service," the governor added.

Earlier Friday, Sununu had provided information about the shooting on X, formerly known as Twitter. He said the state immediately mobilized, and the incident had been contained.

The governor also said they would provide as many details as possible as the situation unfolds.

The New Hampshire attorney general's office identified the victim later Friday night as 63-year-old Bradley Haas, of Franklin, NH. Haas was shot in the line of duty while working security at the hospital's front lobby entrance around 3:30 p.m.

The attorney general described Haas as a father and law enforcement veteran who previously served as chief of the Franklin Police Department. He served in his hometown department for 28 years, beginning as a patrol officer after serving three years as a military police officer in the U.S. Army.

His family has asked for privacy at this time, the attorney general's office added.

Investigators are not releasing the shooter's name at this time as the investigation continues.

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