Andrew Haden, 48, a former twice-acting U.S. attorney who led the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California, was found dead Wednesday in the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego, according to police and federal officials.
Haden served as acting U.S. attorney after being selected by President Donald Trump following the firing of Tara McGrath, a Biden appointee, during both 2023 and 2025 vacancies. He joined the U.S. attorney's office in 2010 and spent 16 years at the San Diego-based office.
The San Diego Police Department confirmed officers responded to the scene after Haden was reported missing before being found.
What the Left Is Saying
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Adam Gordon, who currently leads the office Haden once headed, issued a statement remembering his predecessor. "This is one of the darkest days in our office's history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden's life," Gordon said. "He was a beacon of light — full of laughter, friendship, integrity and an unwavering commitment to serving our community."
Scott C. Carr, executive director of the San Diego County Bar Association, described being devastated by the news. He recalled speaking with Haden during recent government shutdowns about supporting employees in his office. "Andrew was always friendly with a kind word to say, which makes news of his passing all the more difficult," Carr wrote.
What the Right Is Saying
Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who worked opposite Haden in previous courtroom battles, called the death a "huge blow to the entire federal community in San Diego." Warren noted that despite their professional conflicts, they remained friends. "We remained friends throughout is a testament to the type of guy he was," Warren said.
Gordon's tribute echoed across political lines: "We will honor his life and legacy by carrying his light forward, today and always."
What the Numbers Show
Haden served with the Navy for two overseas deployments before receiving his law degree from the University of San Diego. He spent 16 years at the U.S. Attorney's Office in San Diego, serving as acting U.S. attorney twice during leadership transitions.
Police investigators responded "out of an abundance of caution" and have determined no foul play is suspected, according to the San Diego Police Department's statement to Fox News Digital.
The Bottom Line
Haden's death marks a significant loss for the federal legal community in Southern California. Investigators continue to treat the scene as non-criminal pending further review. His career spanned both Democratic and Republican administrations, reflecting the nonpartisan nature of U.S. attorney appointments during transitions. Further details from the medical examiner's office are expected in the coming days.