Suspect Arrested in Fatal Library Shooting in Northern California

An 18-year-old suspect carried out a shooting at a library in Northern California, resulting in two fatalities. According to law enforcement, the suspect entered the building, went back to his vehicle, retrieved a shotgun, and then fatally shot a man at the entrance and another inside the library.

Incident Details

Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge stated that a 911 call captured gunshots and screams from the Chico branch of the Butte County Library on Monday evening. Officers arrived at the scene two minutes after the call and apprehended the suspect in under four minutes. Aldridge commended the officers for preventing further loss of life.

The suspect initially shot a man at the library entrance in the leg before shooting him in the head. He then proceeded to fire multiple shots inside, striking another man in the head. FBI Special Agent Sid Patel called the attack horrific and confirmed the FBI’s involvement in the investigation.

Victims and Arrest

Authorities identified the victims as 46-year-old Jacob Hull and 74-year-old Robert Johnson. A child sustained a minor injury and was taken to a hospital. The suspect attempted to flee through the back of the library but was apprehended by law enforcement.

Police recovered a shotgun from the library floor and two other firearms from the suspect’s vehicle. The weapons were registered to the suspect’s family.

Community Impact

The shooting shocked the Chico community, a city with approximately 100,000 residents located about 150 miles northeast of San Francisco. In response, authorities plan to increase security at each library location. There have been three other fatal library attacks in the past nine years across the United States.

Misty Wright, director of public libraries in Butte County, expressed that libraries should be places of joy and safety. She clarified that prior to the shooting, libraries were patrolled, although she was unsure if the patrols were armed.

Suspect Information

The suspect, identified as Bradley Scott Sayer of Chico, graduated from Chico High School in June. Sayer was booked on suspicion of two counts of murder. Officials stated he had no known relationship with the victims. His family has retained an attorney, but the lawyer’s name remains undisclosed.

Sayer wore a T-shirt with the slogan “natural selection,” similar to attire worn by Eric Harris, one of the Columbine shooters. Sayer had shown a long-term fascination with the Columbine shootings on social media, according to Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey. He is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday.

Continuing Investigation

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are assisting in the ongoing investigation. All library branches in Butte County remained closed following the incident.