CONCORD, N.H. – An assailant opened fire inside a state psychiatric hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, on Friday afternoon, resulting in one fatality. The attacker was then swiftly neutralized by a state trooper patrolling the facility, state officials announced. At this point, no motive has been established for the shooting.
According to Colonel Mark B. Hall, the director of the New Hampshire Department of Safety, the incident took place at around 3:30 p.m., leaving investigators perplexed as to any potential relationship between the victim and the assailant. Neither of their identities has been revealed. It is worth noting that no patients were harmed during the incident, as confirmed by Colonel Hall in an earlier briefing.
The trooper responsible for neutralizing the shooter was assigned to patrol the hospital and happened to be in close proximity during the tragic event. Colonel Hall described the trooper’s prompt response, stating that they “immediately engaged, shot and killed” the assailant. The victim was transported to Concord Hospital but sadly succumbed to their injuries.
During a news conference, Commissioner Lori Weaver of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services expressed the profound impact the incident has had on the employees and community, calling it an “unimaginable day.” Authorities have refrained from providing further details about the shooting, leaving many questions unanswered.
At present, investigators are looking into a “suspicious vehicle” discovered at the scene, although no additional information has been released. New Hampshire Hospital primarily serves individuals with mental illnesses and is typically monitored by state police officers, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Situated within a larger state complex covering approximately 120 acres, the hospital accommodates several state agencies and attracts an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 individuals each business day, including staff members and visitors.
The tragic shooting at New Hampshire Hospital has left a community in shock and mourning over the loss of life. As officials continue their investigations, they hope to uncover any possible motivations behind this devastating act of violence.