Former Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden Found Dead at San Diego Federal Building

Andrew Haden, 48, a twice-serving acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California, was discovered dead Wednesday inside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego. Police responded after Haden was reported missing and located his body at the facility that houses the federal prosecutor’s office.

The San Diego Police Department stated that investigators found no indication of criminal activity at the scene. “Out of an abundance of caution, SDPD investigators responded to the scene, and no foul play is suspected,” the department told Fox News Digital.

Acting U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon released a statement mourning the loss of his colleague, describing Haden as a dedicated public servant and positive force within the office. “This is one of the darkest days in our office’s history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden’s life. He was a beacon of light—full of laughter, friendship, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community,” Gordon said.

Haden joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2010 and spent 16 years at the San Diego location. He assumed the acting attorney position after being selected to fill vacancies in both 2023 and 2025, most recently following President Donald Trump’s appointment after the removal of Biden-appointed U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath.

A Navy veteran with two overseas deployments, Haden earned his law degree from the University of San Diego. Scott C. Carr, executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association, remembered Haden as a supportive colleague who advocated for his staff during the recent government shutdown.

Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who faced Haden in courtroom proceedings, expressed shock at his death and praised their ability to maintain a friendship despite professional disagreements. “Andrew was always friendly with a kind word to say,” Warren remarked, calling his loss “a huge blow to the entire federal community in San Diego.”