The legal community in California has been thrown into mourning following the death of Assistant US Attorney Andrew Haden, who died by suicide inside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego.
His body was discovered after the San Diego Police Department received a report concerning his whereabouts and dispatched officers to inspect his workspace.
While law enforcement initially ruled out foul play, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office subsequently confirmed that Haden died by suicide.
Distinguished public servant and military veteran
Haden built an extensive career within the federal justice system, serving as a prosecutor with the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California since 2010.
Over his 16-year tenure, he earned widespread respect from colleagues, stepping up to serve twice as Acting US Attorney during executive leadership transitions in 2023 and 2025.
Prior to his career in federal prosecution, Haden served as an officer in the US Navy, completing two overseas deployments before transitioning into public legal service.
Colleagues mourn loss of legal veteran
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the federal judicial district, raising broader conversations around mental health support and high-pressure work environments within the legal system.
In an official statement addressing the tragedy, US Attorney Adam Gordon described the event as “one of the darkest days in our office’s history,” remembering Haden as a dedicated public servant and “a beacon of light” to those who worked alongside him.
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