Shooter kills one at New Hampshire Hospital; suspect killed by police

This story was updated on Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:27 p.m. to include more details from New Hampshire State Police. 

A shooter opened fire and killed one person at New Hampshire Hospital in Concord Friday afternoon, according to New Hampshire State Police. The suspect was immediately shot and killed by a New Hampshire State Police trooper on duty at the hospital, police say.

The shooting, which occurred shortly before 3:30 p.m., was contained to the front lobby of the hospital, Col. Mark Hall of the New Hampshire State Police said at a press conference. All patients and hospital staff are safe, according to Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori Weaver.

“There is no active shooter threat to the public,” Hall said. “The scene remains active as one suspicious vehicle has been located.”

The victim was given CPR and transported to Concord Hospital but died of their injuries, Hall said. Details about the victim were being held as of 6:30 p.m. while authorities worked to contact the victim’s family.

Hall said the public is advised to avoid the area of the hospital and the state office complex for the rest of the evening.

As of 6:30, the police were investigating the identity of the shooter, according to Hall. The State Police had also examined a suspicious vehicle left near the hospital, Hall said, but he added that there is no threat to the public.

New Hampshire Hospital is a psychiatric facility where on Friday 148 beds were occupied by people admitted involuntarily.

In a statement to reporters, Weaver said the Department of Health and Human Services was “shocked and saddened” by the shooting.

“Our hearts go out to the family of the victim as well as our colleagues who have been impacted,” Weaver said. “We have established a call center for families wishing to reach out to their loved ones and we’ll be releasing that number shortly.”

Weaver said the department and hospital staff were providing support to patients and staff.

The hospital is temporarily closed to visitors, but will still be providing care to its patients, Weaver said. The hospital will notify families when visitations can resume, she added.

“This is a difficult and unimaginable day for our employees and for our community,” Weaver said. “We will continue to make resources available in the coming hours and days.”

In an earlier statement Friday evening, Gov. Chris Sununu said: “This afternoon, there was an incident at New Hampshire Hospital, which has been contained. While the scene remains active as the campus is cleared, the suspect is deceased. The state immediately mobilized, and first responders and law enforcement are on the scene. We will provide as many details as possible as this situation unfolds.”

Concord police have blocked off roads near the hospital and multiple helicopters were seen flying above the scene. Hall said the investigation will continue for hours or days.

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