John Madore: Suspect identified in fatal shooting of former police chief Bradley Haas at New Hampshire psychiatric hospital
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE: A man who fatally shot a security officer at New Hampshire Hospital on Friday, November 17, has been identified by Attorney General John Formella.
The suspect, John Madore, 33, was also killed by a state trooper who responded to the scene.
Who was Bradley Haas?
Bradley Haas, 63, of Franklin, was a former chief of police in Franklin and was working as a security officer for the hospital. He was shot by Madore in the lobby of the hospital which is a secure inpatient psychiatric facility.
Formella said Haas and the trooper, whose name has not been released, acted heroically and prevented a worse outcome.
“Without the actions of Bradley Haas and without the actions of the trooper on scene, this could have been a lot worse,” Formella said, as reported by WMUR.
What was the motive of the shooting at New Hampshire hospital?
The motive of the shooting is still under investigation, according to reports.
Formella said Madore did not get past the metal detectors in the lobby of the hospital and used a 9 mm handgun to shoot Haas. Police are still looking into whether Madore had any ties to the hospital or to Haas.
Madore was described as transient who recently stayed in a hotel in the Seacoast area and also spent time in the Concord area. Police are also continuing to investigate a U-Haul truck that was found running in the parking lot after the shooting.
State Police Col Mark Hall said an AR-15-style weapon, a tactical vest and ammunition were found in the truck. Police are still investigating any links Madore might have had to the truck.
How did the incident affect the hospital and the community?
No patients at the hospital were injured, Hall said. Several employees of the hospital heard the shots and locked themselves in closets, sources told News 9.
A worker who was inside the hospital who did not want to be identified told the publication that they were leaving for the day and were in the lobby when police in tactical gear told them to get back.
The worker ran back to their office and hid under their desk. As hospital workers were led from the building, some could be seen crying and hugging each other.
“Valerie and I extend our sincere condolences to the family of Department of Safety Security Officer Bradley Haas of Franklin, NH, who gave his life today protecting the patients and staff at New Hampshire Hospital.
"He will be remembered for his heroism and decades of public service,” Governor Chris Sununu said as per the publication. New Hampshire Hospital is a secure, inpatient psychiatric hospital, and all visitors must go through metal detectors, as per the report.