Former Acting US Attorney Found Dead Inside SD Federal Building
Remembering Andrew Haden: A Dedicated Public Servant
What Happened?
On Wednesday night, something very sad happened in San Diego. Andrew R. Haden, who used to be the acting U.S. Attorney (the top federal lawyer) for Southern California, was found dead inside a federal office building downtown.
Where: Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building, downtown San Diego
When: Wednesday night
How it was discovered: Police got a call about a possibly missing person. Shortly after, officers found Haden in an office inside the building.
What We Know So Far
Here are the key facts that have been shared publicly:
- No foul play is suspected — Police don’t think anyone else was involved
- The Medical Examiner will decide the exact cause and manner of death
- No other details have been released at this time
- Haden was 48 years old
Important Note: When someone dies unexpectedly, it takes time for officials to complete their investigation. The Medical Examiner’s Office does a careful, thorough review before announcing an official cause of death. This is normal procedure.
Who Was Andrew Haden?
Andrew Haden wasn’t just a name on a door — he was someone who dedicated his whole adult life to serving his country and community. Let’s break down his journey:
Education & Early Life
| Step | What He Did |
|---|---|
| 1 | Earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Stanford University |
| 2 | Served 5 years in the U.S. Navy |
| 3 | Went to law school at University of San Diego School of Law |
| 4 | Clerked (worked as a legal assistant) for U.S. District Judge Thomas J. Whelan |
Career as a Federal Prosecutor
- Joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California in 2010
- Worked as a federal prosecutor for 14+ years
- Twice served as Acting U.S. Attorney (the boss of the whole office!) during leadership changes:
- About 2 months in 2023
- About 2 months in 2024
What’s a U.S. Attorney?
Think of them as the chief federal lawyer for a region. They oversee all federal criminal cases (like bank robbery, drug trafficking, fraud) and civil cases involving the government. There are 93 U.S. Attorneys across the country — one for each federal district.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon (the current top prosecutor) shared this heartfelt tribute:
"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. We will honor his life and legacy by carrying his light forward, today and always."
That tells us a lot — not just about his professional skill, but about his character: kind, honest, dedicated, and someone who made people around him better.
Why This Matters
When someone like Andrew Haden passes away, it affects:
- His family and friends — who lost someone they loved
- His colleagues — who lost a mentor, leader, and friend
- The community — who lost a dedicated public servant
- The justice system — which relies on people of integrity like him
Summary
- Andrew Haden, 48, former Acting U.S. Attorney for Southern California, was found dead Wednesday night in a federal building in San Diego
- Police suspect no foul play; the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death
- Haden served as a federal prosecutor since 2010 and led the office twice during transitions
- His background: Stanford grad → Navy veteran → Law school → Judicial clerk → Career prosecutor
- Colleagues remember him as a person of integrity, warmth, and deep commitment to justice
FAQ
What does "Acting U.S. Attorney" mean?
When the presidentially-appointed U.S. Attorney leaves (resigns, finishes term, etc.), a senior prosecutor steps in temporarily as "Acting" U.S. Attorney until a new one is confirmed by the Senate. Haden did this twice, showing his colleagues trusted him to lead.
Is this considered suspicious?
No. Police explicitly said they do not suspect foul play. The Medical Examiner’s review is standard for any unexpected death.
How long was he a prosecutor?
14 years — he joined the office in 2010 and worked there continuously until his death.
What kinds of cases did his office handle?
The Southern District of California handles federal crimes like:
- Border/drug crimes (it’s a border district)
- White-collar fraud
- Public corruption
- Civil rights violations
- National security cases
How can I learn more as details emerge?
Follow reputable local news (like the San Diego Union-Tribune, KPBS, or NBC 7 San Diego) or the U.S. Attorney’s Office website for official statements.
This article is based on initial public reports. Details may change as the Medical Examiner completes their investigation.