The search for a missing U.S. Assistant Attorney concluded Wednesday with the discovery of his body inside an office at the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in San Diego. Authorities have stated that foul play is not suspected in the death of Andrew Haden, 48.
The San Diego Police Department found Haden inside the federal building after he had been reported missing earlier that day. The medical examiner's office will determine the official cause and manner of his death.
Haden had been a member of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California since 2010. He served twice as the acting U.S. Attorney for the district, with two-month stints in 2023 and 2025, during periods of leadership transition.
Southern District U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon described the event as one of the "darkest days" in the office's history. In a statement, Gordon remembered Haden as "a beacon of light—full of laughter, friendship, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community."
Haden was a lifelong San Diego resident, graduating from University City High School and Stanford University with a degree in political science. He served five years in the Navy, including two overseas deployments. He later earned a law degree from the University of San Diego and worked as a court clerk for U.S. District Judge Thomas J. Whelan.
Chief Judge Cynthia Bashant of the Southern District of California called Haden's death a "loss for everyone," noting that he was "well loved and well respected." Defense attorney Jeremy Warren, who frequently appeared opposite Haden in court, told the San Diego Union-Tribune that their continued friendship was a testament to Haden's character and that his death is "a huge blow to the entire federal community in San Diego."