Two-time acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Andrew Haden was found dead inside the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Wednesday.
San Diego police received a call late Wednesday night that a man was missing. Hours later, officers were called to the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, where they found a man dead in an office.
Police confirmed in a statement that officers went to an office at 880 Front St. in downtown San Diego. That address houses the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“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,” police spokesperson Ashley Nichols said.
In a statement Thursday, U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon confirmed that Haden had died.
Haden, who served as acting U.S. attorney in 2023 and more recently in 2025, had served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office since 2010. During that time, he worked in the General Crimes Section and the Major Crimes Section.
Before he was appointed acting U.S. attorney, Haden served as the Chief of the Violent Crimes and Human Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Gordon said the office is trying to deal with death, calling Haden a “beacon of light.”
“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. We will honor his life and legacy by carrying his light forward, today and always.”
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office releases, Haden was a San Diego native and graduate of University City High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Stanford before serving in the U.S. Navy. Haden received his law degree from the University of San Diego, where he worked part time as an adjunct professor.
Times of San Diego contributor JW August contributed reporting to this story.
