REPORT: Country Club Gunman Allegedly Shouted ‘Free Palestine’ Before Opening Fire On Wedding Reception

A gunman allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” before opening fire Saturday and killing one attendee during a wedding reception at a New Hampshire country club, a witness told Channel 7 News Boston.

The witness, Tom Bartelson, told the outlet he heard about six gunshots, which he initially thought were balloons popping.

“And then you look around, we didn’t have any balloons,” Bartelson said. (RELATED: Countries Line Up To Kiss UN’s Ring Ahead Of Meeting)

The witness said the gunman walked through the party and made his way to the kitchen of the venue, allegedly shouting “the children are safe” and “Free Palestine.”

Another witness, Michael Homewood, said the shooter walked across the dance floor and entered the kitchen, according to ABC affiliate WCVB 5. The gunman flipped them off before exiting the kitchen through the back door, Homewood stated.

Witness to New Hampshire country club shooting tells local news reporters he heard gunman say something in fatal attack.
“He said ‘the children are safe’ and ‘Free Palestine.’ That’s what it was.”
“You heard that?”
“That’s what I heard.” pic.twitter.com/z0Vuwwxici

— Caleb Howe (@CalebHowe) September 21, 2025

New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said the alleged shooter, 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau, is a former employee of the club, according to WCVB 5.

“Mr. Nadeau made a number of statements during the event, we don’t have any evidence at this time that indicates Mr. Nadeau was motivated by a hate-based motivation,” Formella said during a Sunday press conference. “In fact, I would say at this point, the evidence leads us to believe that it is more likely that Mr. Nadeau was simply trying to make a number of statements to create chaos in the moment.”

Fifty-nine-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare was shot and killed.

His mother said DeCesare “jumped in front of his wife and daughter,” saving their lives by sacrificing his own, according to local ABC affiliate WMUR 9.

Two other victims were shot, including a host at the club, WCVB 5 reported. The alleged shooter was arrested near the club, according to the outlet.

“Jo and I are praying for the victims and their families of the tragic shooting,” Republican New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte said in a statement Sunday, in which she thanked officials for their response.