63-year-old security officer killed in shooting at New Hampshire Hospital: Bradley Haas identified as victim

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : CONCORD, NH — Tragedy struck the New Hampshire Hospital in Concord on Friday when a 63-year-old security officer, Bradley Haas, was killed in a shooting incident. The gunman entered the psychiatric hospital on Clinton Street at around 3:30 p.m. local time, according to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office. Haas was shot during the attack and despite attempts by first responders to save his life, he was pronounced dead at Concord Hospital.

The Attorney General’s Office revealed that Haas, a former Chief of the Franklin Police Department, had served in the Franklin Police Department for 28 years. Prior to that, he served in the US Army for three years as a military police officer. The loss of Haas, who dedicated his life to public service, has been deeply felt by the law enforcement community.

A state trooper assigned to the hospital quickly responded to the scene and shot and killed the alleged gunman, according to state police. Authorities immediately evacuated all staff, patients, and other individuals present in the hospital building to ensure their safety.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes outside the hospital following the shooting. Jessica Bedard, who was near the hospital at the time, recounted the sirens and the sight of multiple emergency vehicles and armed police officers blocking streets. Bedard expressed her fear and concern for the safety of her children, emphasizing the need for reassurance during such unsettling situations.

The news of an active shooter in the area also caused distress among locals. Dana Mercier, whose mother resides in a nearby nursing home, expressed her horror at the incident, stating that it hit too close to home after a recent shooting in Lewiston, Maine.

In addition to addressing the immediate threat, a New Hampshire State Police bomb squad unit was dispatched to investigate a suspicious box truck on the hospital’s campus. Fortunately, the vehicle was determined to pose no safety risk.

The suspected shooter was declared deceased by Homeland Security at 4:40 p.m., as reported on their official Twitter account. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released the shooter’s identity.

New Hampshire Hospital, which aims to provide care and support to individuals with acute mental illnesses, has set up a call center for concerned loved ones to contact those who were inside the building during the incident. The call center can be reached at (603) 271-3004.

Governor Chris Sununu of New Hampshire expressed his condolences to Officer Bradley Haas’ family on Facebook. He commended Haas for his heroism and decades of public service, highlighting his sacrifice in protecting the patients and staff at New Hampshire Hospital.

The Franklin Police Department will honor Haas’ memory by flying their flags at half-staff and wearing mourning arm bands on their badges.

As the investigation continues, autopsies for both Haas and the alleged shooter are scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Concord.

This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments.

To stay informed about breaking news, download the FREE Boston 25 News app and receive instant alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter, and watch Boston 25 News NOW for live updates.

©2023 Cox Media Group.