The New Hampshire state trooper who fatally shot a man at a psychiatric hospital in November was deemed justified in using deadly force, according to a report released by the state attorney general. The incident occurred shortly after the man, John Madore, killed a security guard at the New Hampshire Hospital where he was a former patient. Madore entered the hospital and fired a pistol at the unarmed security guard, Bradley Haas, without warning before proceeding to fire multiple shots in the lobby. Trooper Nathan Sleight intervened when Madore attempted to reload his weapon, commanding him to drop the gun. When Madore ignored the commands and continued to reload, Sleight shot him, ultimately stopping the threat.
The report highlighted the events that took place within a minute, showing Sleight’s quick actions in response to the situation. Madore, who had a history of mental health issues, had been a patient at the hospital on multiple occasions in the past. His father revealed that Madore had expressed paranoid ideations, including a belief that the providers at the hospital were trying to harvest his organs. This information sheds light on Madore’s mental state and potential motivations for his actions on the day of the incident. Sleight, with over a decade of law enforcement experience, was found to have acted reasonably in perceiving Madore as an immediately deadly threat.
During the confrontation, Madore uttered statements expressing his disdain for the hospital, adding a layer of insight into his mindset at the time of the shooting. Sleight’s decision to use deadly force was based on the threat Madore posed as he attempted to reload his weapon. The report concluded that Sleight’s actions were in line with his duty to protect himself and others in a potentially life-threatening situation. The presence of a residential patient who inadvertently entered the lobby during the altercation further emphasized the urgency of the trooper’s response to neutralize the threat posed by Madore.
The investigation into the shooting at the psychiatric hospital revealed the complex circumstances surrounding the incident, including Madore’s history of mental health challenges and previous interactions with the facility. The report affirmed Sleight’s actions as justified based on the imminent danger presented by Madore’s actions. The trooper’s experience and training were key factors in his ability to assess and respond to the unfolding situation swiftly and effectively. As the community processes the details of this tragic event, the findings of the report provide clarity on the events leading up to the use of deadly force by the state trooper, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety and protection in high-stakes situations.
