Accused Concord Arsonist, Named To ZBA, Verbally Assaults First Responders At LOB Rally

CONCORD, NH — A woman from Concord, with a history of arrest and civil stalking complaints, as well as bewildering comments on social media, claiming to have been injected with chips that caused her car to explode, was caught on camera Monday verbally attacking first responders at a rally in Downtown Concord.

Approximately 200 police, fire, and EMS personnel gathered on the steps of the New Hampshire Legislative Office Building on Monday to draw attention to proposed changes to the current pension system proposal. A woman began speaking at the event. She told the first responders, "I hope something really bad happens to you," among other statements that can be heard in the video captured.

The woman was later identified as Mary Rose Deak, a controversial new pick for an alternate seat on the city of Concord Zoning Board of Adjustment.

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After the revelation of Deak’s criminal history, accusations against her, and her comments online, Fred Keach, an at-large Concord city councilor, filed a motion to rescind the appointment from the board.

Other city councilors support the action, with at least one, Ward 3 City Councilor Jennifer Kretovic, telling the Concord Monitor she should be able to serve.

On Tuesday, Kretovic issued a clarifying statement saying while the council appointed Deak based on the information and qualifications presented and took full responsibility for that vote, she believed the appointment should be rescinded. She said the conversation was no longer about stigma but standards.

"Public service comes with a responsibility to uphold the values of the community you represent. Recent events have raised serious concerns — not about Mary Rose Deak’s past, but about her current conduct," she said. "Publicly berating first responders, using hostile or threatening language in civic spaces, and displaying aggressive behavior while panhandling are not consistent with the standard of integrity and respect we expect from our appointed officials."

Kretovic said her decision was not "rooted in hindsight, fear, or politics — but in accountability." She remained committed to ensuring people had second chances and those willing to serve were given opportunities. At the same time, protecting the integrity of boards and processes was also important, Kretovic said.

Kretovic added: "Let me be clear: I believe strongly that a history of mental health challenges or contact with the justice system should not, by itself, disqualify someone from public service. If we are serious about building a more inclusive and equitable city, we must remain open to diverse lived experiences — including those shaped by recovery, reinvention, or resilience."

According to the online meeting calendar, a meeting of the Concord City Council to consider rescinding her appointment has not yet been scheduled.