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New Hampshire officials are paying their respects to a security guard and former police chief who was killed while protecting bystanders during a shooting at the New Hampshire Hospital on November 17.
Bradley Haas, 63, was a dedicated public servant who spent 28 years of his law enforcement career serving with the Franklin Police Department. He was fatally shot when 33-year-old John Madore opened fire at the hospital in Concord, according to state police.
Paramedics on scene helped to provide medical aid and CPR, but tragically, Haas died of his injuries.
The incident has since left the community in shock.
“Bradley Haas served for 28 years at the Franklin Police Department, started as a patrol officer and rose to the rank of chief of police. He is also a U.S. Army veteran. Served for three years in the United States Army, but he will now be remembered forever as a man who died protecting patients, staff and visitors at New Hampshire Hospital,” New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella said in a statement, praising Haas for his heroism and sacrifice.
“Chief Haas was already a hero when he walked into work yesterday given his service to our country, to our state, and to his community. But he will now be remembered forever as a man who died protecting patients, staff, and visitors at New Hampshire Hospital,” Formella added.
Formella also acknowledged the quick response of a state trooper, who was crucial in preventing further casualties. The trooper, who has not been named, shot and killed Madore, containing the incident within the hospital’s lobby.
Governor Chris Sununu acknowledged the collective efforts that prevented a more significant tragedy that day.
“Make no mistake, if not for the heroics and sacrifice of Bradley Haas, the bravery of the New Hampshire Hospital staff, the unflinching response of New Hampshire State Police, this tragedy could have been much, much worse,” Sununu said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine Madore’s motive for the shooting.
Authorities have revealed that Madore had not yet gone through security measures, including a metal detector, before initiating the attack.
A subsequent search of the hospital’s parking lot by a SWAT team uncovered a U-Haul containing an AR-style weapon, a tactical vest and additional ammunition, although it remains unconfirmed if these were linked to the shooter.
The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported that there were 152 patients in the hospital at the time of the incident. Mental health resources are being provided to hospital staff, and a call center has been established for patients, families and staff.
While the investigation is ongoing, the community is mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant and grappling with the tragic events that unfolded at the New Hampshire Hospital.
The state urged the community to come together in support of those affected by this senseless act of violence.
Autopsies for both the shooter and the victim are being conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and further details will be released once available.
The New Hampshire Hospital is working to return to normalcy, with officials actively working to re-establish the visitor entrance that was disrupted by the incident.
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