Alleged New Hampshire Country Club Shooter Targeted 'Elites', Police Say

The 24-year-old suspect confessed to the shooting, saying he aimed to kill the rich because 'they were not helping the poor'.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Hunter West Nadeau, 24, allegedly opened fire inside a country club in Nashua, New Hampshire last year, killing one person and injuring two others. According to a police affidavit, Nadeau confessed to the shooting, telling investigators he carried it out in an effort to retaliate against the wealthy 'elites' because 'they were not helping the poor'.

Why it matters

This case highlights growing concerns about ideologically-motivated attacks targeting affluent individuals and institutions. It also raises questions about mental health, access to firearms, and the economic divide in the U.S.

The details

Surveillance footage showed Nadeau entering the Sky Meadow Club's main entrance around 7:17 p.m. on September 20, 2025, wearing a black hoodie and carrying a green backpack. He then allegedly walked to the Prime steakhouse, put on a face mask, and opened fire, striking employee Steve Burtman in the face. Nadeau then entered the restaurant and fired five more shots, killing 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare, who was dining with his wife and daughter. A third patron was also injured. Nadeau reportedly told police he chose the country club because he had previously worked there and knew the members were affluent.

  • On September 20, 2025, Nadeau allegedly opened fire inside the Sky Meadow Club in Nashua, New Hampshire.

The players

Hunter West Nadeau

A 24-year-old New Hampshire resident who confessed to the shooting, telling police he carried it out to retaliate against the wealthy 'elites'.

Steve Burtman

An employee at the Prime steakhouse located within the Sky Meadow Club, who was struck in the face by one of Nadeau's shots but survived.

Robert Steven DeCesare

A 59-year-old man who was dining at the Prime steakhouse and was killed by Nadeau's gunfire.

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What they’re saying

“He said that he settled on Sky Meadow as a location because he worked there about a year ago as a server and knew that you had to have money to have a membership there.”

— Police (The Boston Globe)

“He was not targeting a specific person but did not care whether he killed someone or not.”

— Police (The Boston Globe)

What’s next

Nadeau faces first-degree murder and reckless second-degree murder charges and is being held without bail as he awaits trial.

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the growing threat of ideologically-motivated attacks targeting affluent individuals and institutions, raising concerns about mental health, access to firearms, and the widening economic divide in the U.S.