A joyful wedding celebration at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua, New Hampshire, ended in tragedy on Saturday evening when gunfire erupted, leaving one man dead and two others wounded.

New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella confirmed on Sunday that 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau, of Nashua, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting. Investigators say Nadeau opened fire with a handgun, fatally striking 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare, also of Nashua. Authorities said the two men did not know each other.

Two additional guests sustained injuries during the attack. Officials have not released their names or provided an update on their conditions.

Chaos at the Country Club

The shooting happened during a wedding reception at the popular venue, which features a golf course, restaurant, and event space. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the suspect allegedly entered dressed in black and wearing a mask.

“We heard about six shots, and everybody ducked for cover,” said Tom Bartelson of Pepperell, Massachusetts, who was attending his nephew’s wedding. “Next thing you know, we’re rushed into safe spots. We were trying to keep family members safe.”

Bartelson recalled hearing the shooter shout statements such as “The children are safe” and “Free Palestine” before opening fire. Another guest, Emily Ernst, said she saw the gunman raise a weapon and bolted through the kitchen to escape. “I ran for my life,” she said.

In the aftermath, Evie O’Rourke of Salem, N.H., frantically searched for her son, Robert DeCesare. “We don’t know where he is … They saw my son go down and saw blood, and we can’t find him,” she said, moments before authorities confirmed his death.

Police: Suspect Acted Alone

Early speculation suggested multiple shooters, but Nashua Police Chief Kevin Rourke later clarified that surveillance footage showed Nadeau acted alone. He was detained at the scene without further incident, and police emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Community in Mourning

Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess expressed deep sorrow over the violence. “I have faith in police to get to the bottom of this and bring the perpetrator to justice,” he said, warning that “no matter how unlikely it seems, it can happen where you live.”

U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander offered condolences, saying her “heart is with the victims, their families, and the entire Nashua community.”

Friends and family described Robert Steven DeCesare as a devoted father and son, a Salem native, and an avid Boston Red Sox supporter.

Investigation Continues

Authorities are still working to determine a motive. Senior Assistant Attorney General Peter Hinckley said investigators are interviewing guests, reviewing surveillance footage, and collecting evidence from the scene.

Nadeau is expected to be arraigned Monday in Nashua’s Ninth Circuit Court. Meanwhile, officials have pledged additional support for victims’ families and for guests who were traumatized by the incident.