Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden was discovered deceased within an office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in San Diego on Wednesday, authorities confirmed, stating there were no indications of foul play.
Haden, a dedicated prosecutor, had been a member of the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of California since 2010. He twice assumed the role of acting U.S. Attorney for the district during leadership transitions, serving for approximately two months in 2023 and again for a similar period in 2025.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon of the Southern District shared a statement acknowledging the profound loss, describing Haden as "a beacon of light—full of laughter, friendship, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community." Gordon added, "We will honor his life and legacy by carrying his light forward, today and always."
San Diego police responded to a missing person report late Wednesday and located Haden deceased shortly thereafter in an office at 880 Front Street, the location of the federal building. Police spokesperson Ashley Nicholes stated, "Out of an abundance of caution, SDPD investigators responded to the scene, and no foul play is suspected. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Medical Examiner."
Throughout his distinguished career, Haden held several key leadership positions, including first assistant attorney general for the Southern District, second-in-command of the office. He also led the Violent Crimes & Human Trafficking Section and the Criminal Division.
A San Diego native, Haden was a graduate of University City High School and Stanford University with a degree in political science. He served five years in the Navy, including two overseas deployments. Following his military service, he earned a law degree from the University of San Diego and completed a clerkship with U.S. District Judge Thomas J. Whelan.
Haden received numerous accolades for his legal contributions, including the Director’s Award for Superior Performance in a Managerial or Supervisory Role in 2020 and the Peter J. Mazza Outstanding Federal Lawyer Award in 2024.
