Suspect Arrested in Northern California Library Shooting

An 18-year-old suspect conducted a walkthrough of a Northern California library, retrieved a shotgun from his vehicle, and proceeded to fatally shoot two men, according to law enforcement. Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge reported that screams and gunshots were audible during a 911 call from the Chico branch of the Butte County Library on Monday evening. Officers responded swiftly, arriving within two minutes.

Chief Aldridge praised the officers for quickly taking the suspect into custody. “From the first 911 call to having him in custody was less than four minutes,” he said.

According to FBI Special Agent Sid Patel, the suspect shot a man at the library entrance in the leg, then in the head, before going inside and shooting another man in the head. “Yesterday’s violent attack was horrific,” Patel remarked. “The full force of the FBI is assisting this investigation.”

Victims Identified and Suspect Arrested

The victims were identified as 46-year-old Jacob Hull and 74-year-old Robert Johnson. A child received minor injuries and was hospitalized; her name remains undisclosed. The suspect attempted to flee through the back of the library but was apprehended by additional law enforcement outside the building, Aldridge stated during a post-arrest news conference.

Officers retrieved a shotgun from the library floor and two more guns from the suspect’s vehicle. All weapons were registered to the suspect’s family, though no further information was provided.

Community Impact and Security Measures

The shooting in Chico, a city of 100,000 people located about 150 miles northeast of San Francisco, has shocked the community. It has prompted authorities to increase security at all library locations. The incident marks one of several attacks in libraries over recent years, including events in Oklahoma, New York, and New Mexico.

Butte County Director of Public Libraries, Misty Wright, expressed sorrow over the breach of safety. “A library should be a place of joy,” she stated.

Before the shooting, local libraries were monitored by mobile patrols, but it is unclear if they were armed. Videos from the scene show police encircling the library and apprehending the suspect.

A temporary family reunification center was established nearby as streets were closed for investigation.

Investigation and Suspect Information

Authorities identified the suspect as Bradley Scott Sayer, a recent graduate of Chico High School. He faces two murder charges. The police stated there was no known relationship between Sayer and his victims. The suspect wore a T-shirt identical to one worn by a Columbine shooter, indicating an eerie affinity for that notorious event.

Sayer’s family has hired an attorney, although details remain private. Court records do not yet list Sayer’s case. His arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.

The Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are actively involved in the investigation. All branches of the Butte County library shut down temporarily following the attack.