San Diego – The legal community in Southern California is mourning the loss of Andrew Haden, 48, a former twice‑acting U.S. attorney who was found dead this week inside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building downtown. Haden, a native of California, led the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California for several years and served as acting U.S. attorney during two separate vacancies in 2023 and 2025.
Career and service
Haden began his tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010 and spent 16 years working out of the San Diego office. He was appointed acting U.S. attorney after President Donald Trump selected him to fill the role following the dismissal of U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath, a Biden appointee. In addition to his legal work, Haden was a Navy veteran who completed two overseas deployments and earned his law degree from the University of San Diego.
Discovery and police response
Police officers responded to a missing‑person report and located Haden’s body on Wednesday in the federal building that houses the prosecutor’s office. The San Diego Police Department released a statement saying, “Out of an abundance of caution, SDPD investigators responded to the scene, and no foul play is suspected.”
Reactions from colleagues
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, who now leads the Southern District, described Haden as “a beacon of light — full of laughter, friendship, integrity and an unwavering commitment to serving our community.” Gordon added that the office would honor Haden’s life and legacy by “carrying his light forward, today and always.”
Scott C. Carr, executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association, expressed devastation at the news, recalling recent conversations with Haden about the impact of a government shutdown on office staff. “Andrew was always friendly with a kind word to say, which makes news of his passing all the more difficult,” Carr wrote, extending thoughts to Haden’s family and colleagues.
Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who had faced Haden in court on several occasions, called the death “a huge blow to the entire federal community in San Diego.” Warren noted that despite their professional rivalry, the two had remained friends, underscoring Haden’s reputation for collegiality.
Impact on the community
The Southern District of California’s office continues to handle a heavy caseload of federal matters ranging from immigration to organized crime. Haden’s death comes at a time when the office is navigating a prolonged government shutdown and heightened public‑safety concerns along the U.S.–Mexico border. Colleagues say they will strive to uphold the standards Haden set for integrity and service.
While authorities have not disclosed a cause of death, the lack of evidence suggesting foul play allows the community to focus on remembering Haden’s contributions rather than speculation. A memorial service is being planned, and the office has invited members of the legal community to share memories of Haden’s dedication to justice and his unwavering support for his team.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
