A 64-year-old man, Anibal Hernandez Santana, has been released from custody after posting $200,000 bail following his arrest in connection with a shooting at Sacramento’s ABC10 television station. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, with police responding to reports of gunfire at the station. The suspect was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, with the FBI assisting in the probe. No injuries were reported, though at least three bullet holes were found in one of the television station’s windows, as captured by a local reporter on X.
According to Sacramento police, the suspect fired from a vehicle, which swiftly sped away after the shooting. Officers quickly identified the suspect’s vehicle, which played a key role in the arrest. Hernandez Santana was released from custody on Saturday, with court appearances scheduled for Tuesday. A mugshot was not immediately available, and the case remains under investigation. The shooting has raised concerns about safety at media outlets, prompting extra police patrols near ABC7 in San Francisco as a precautionary measure.
The shooting also coincided with a small protest outside the station on Thursday, according to The Sacramento Bee. A group of about 15 people gathered to express discontent with Disney’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel off-air for his comments about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This protest, while not directly related to the shooting, highlights the broader tensions surrounding media content and political discourse. Additionally, while Disney owns the ABC network, the affiliate ABC10 is owned by Tegna, which is in the process of being acquired by Nexstar Media Group for $6.2 billion. This acquisition underscores the ongoing shifts in media ownership and influence.
In the wake of the incident, local law enforcement has emphasized the importance of public safety and has increased surveillance in the area. The Sacramento Police Department has also stated that while the motive for the shooting remains unclear, the FBI is actively working to determine the cause. The case serves as a reminder of the risks faced by media outlets and the need for heightened security measures. As the investigation continues, the public awaits more details on the suspect’s background and potential motives, which could provide further insight into the incident.