Full Breakdown
Hampton Beach Shooting Injures Two; Suspect Dies by Suicide
7/6/2026, 10:41:58 PM
Incident Overview
Sunday, July 5, 2026, police responded to 29 Ocean Boulevard near Hampton Beach after gunfire. A 23-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were found with gunshot wounds and taken to a hospital. Officers later located suspect Tyshawn Cooper, 21, at P Street and Ashworth Avenue; he drew a handgun, raised it, and shot himself as an officer fired a shot. Autopsy confirmed suicide and that the officer’s shot did not cause his death.
Timeline of Key Moments
1:19 a.m.: Police arrived at 29 Ocean Boulevard, found two victims with gunshot wounds and transported them to a hospital. 1:20 a.m.: Officers encountered Tyshawn Cooper, 21, at P Street and Ashworth Avenue; he raised a handgun and shot himself as an officer fired. Autopsy ruled the death a self-inflicted suicide, confirming the officer’s shot was unrelated. Ocean Boulevard, P Street and Ashworth Avenue were closed for several hours while evidence was collected.
Data & Statistics
Two civilians – a 23-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman – were injured and hospitalized. The suspect, Tyshawn Cooper, 21, died at the scene. No officers were injured.
Key Figures & Agencies
Tyshawn Cooper, 21, from Taylors, South Carolina, was identified as the shooter. The investigation is led by Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, and Hampton Police Chief Alexander J. Reno. The officer who fired remains unnamed pending interview.
Official Statements & Ongoing Investigation
A joint statement from the Attorney General’s Office, State Police and Hampton Police said a full deadly-force review will be conducted and confirmed the officer’s shot did not cause Cooper’s death. The Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a suicide. Owners of Patriot’s Corner Grocery, Gas & Laundry thanked responders and offered thoughts and prayers.
Community Reaction and Criticism
A local resident called the incident a tragedy, saying, “We always thought this was happy Hampton,” and noted the recent events have tarnished the town’s reputation after July 4 celebrations.
Verbatim Quotes
“the officer that fired did not cause Mr. Cooper's death.” — John M. Formella, Attorney General of New Hampshire
“While an autopsy determined the officer did not cause Cooper's death, Formella said the incident will be subject to a full deadly force incident investigation.” — Attorney General’s Office, joint statement
“It's a tragedy that it happened up here because we always thought this was happy Hampton. And right now, the things that are happening aren't happy Hampton anymore,” — Unnamed local resident, Hampton community member
“We are keeping all those impacted, along with their families and loved ones, in our hearts,” — Owners, Patriot’s Corner Grocery, Gas & Laundry
What’s Next
The Attorney General’s office will finish the deadly-force review, interview the officer next week and then release the officer’s name. Police will continue processing evidence, and the closed streets have reopened. Community resources, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, have been publicized for those affected.
