NASHUA, N.H. — A night of celebration at one of Nashua’s most prominent venues turned into tragedy Saturday evening when gunfire erupted at the Sky Meadow Country Club, leaving one man dead and several others wounded. Authorities say a person of interest has been detained, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
According to Nashua Police, officers were called to the private country club just after 10 p.m. following multiple 911 reports of shots fired during a wedding reception. When first responders arrived, they found a chaotic scene with guests rushing for cover and several people suffering from gunshot wounds.
Officials confirmed that one man died at the scene, while others were transported to nearby hospitals, including Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital. The number of injured victims has not been publicly confirmed, and their conditions remain unknown.
Swift Police Response
Due to the number of casualties, the incident was initially declared a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), prompting a massive emergency response. Dozens of officers, firefighters, and paramedics converged on the club, while state and local police locked down the area.
By early Sunday morning, police announced that a person of interest was in custody. The individual, who has not yet been identified, was detained for questioning. Authorities stressed that there is no wider threat to the community and that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident.
“Nashua Police, with assistance from our partners, responded quickly to a dangerous and fast-moving situation,” officials said in a statement. “At this time, we believe the suspect acted alone, and the public remains safe.”
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described scenes of panic as the gunfire broke out. Guests at the wedding scrambled under tables, while others rushed out of the building into the parking lot.
“I just heard several loud pops, and then people started screaming and running,” said one attendee who asked not to be identified. “Nobody knew what was going on — it was terrifying.”
Police spent hours overnight interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and securing the scene. Crime scene tape surrounded the entrance of the club as investigators worked into the early morning hours.
Community Reaction
The shooting has shocked the Nashua community, especially given the setting of a country club event meant for celebration. Governor Chris Sununu confirmed he was briefed on the situation and expressed condolences to those affected.
“Our hearts go out to the family of the victim and those injured,” Sununu said. “We are grateful for the swift response of law enforcement and first responders who contained the situation and prevented further tragedy.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not released the name of the deceased victim, pending family notification. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation. Police have urged anyone with video footage or information related to the incident to come forward and assist detectives.
The Sky Meadow Country Club, located off Spit Brook Road near the Massachusetts border, is a well-known venue for weddings, banquets, and golf outings. Saturday’s violence marks one of the most serious mass shooting incidents in the city’s recent history.
Officials say more information, including the identity of the victims and the person of interest, will be shared once confirmed.
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