On Monday, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest of Anibal Hernandez Santana, 63, following his bail release and subsequent shooting incident at Sacramento’s ABC10 news station. The suspect, who was previously released on $200,000 bail but later deemed ineligible, now faces multiple federal charges including firearm possession within a school zone and interference with a radio communication station. No injuries were reported in the attack, which left bullet damage in the station’s front lobby. While the FBI took the lead in the investigation, initial efforts were led by local law enforcement, with federal involvement stemming from the targeting of a licensed broadcaster.
Patel emphasized the FBI’s commitment to addressing targeted violence, deeming the incident ‘unacceptable.’ The suspect’s vehicle was identified and traced, leading to his capture. Law enforcement also uncovered handwritten notes in his home, including a reference to ‘Do the Next Scary Thing’ and a critique of political figures, suggesting possible motives or connections. The incident has prompted heightened police patrols near ABC7 in San Francisco, with federal agents coordinating with local authorities to ensure public safety.
The attack, which occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Friday, drew attention due to the potential implications of targeting a federally licensed broadcasting station. While employees were present in the building, there were no casualties. A local reporter shared video on X showing at least three bullet holes in one of the television station’s windows, highlighting the severity of the attack. The suspect initially faced charges related to assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm.
Documents obtained from the Sacramento County Jail show that Hernandez Santana was briefly released on bail but then marked as ineligible for the same. This inconsistency has raised questions about the transparency of the bail process. The suspect’s actions have also sparked a small protest outside the station on Thursday, with around 15 people opposing Disney’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel’s show from air after his comments about slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This political context adds another layer to the incident, with tensions over media and political discourse intensifying.
Disney, which owns the ABC network, announced that Kimmel’s show would return on Tuesday, citing a commitment to avoid further inflaming a tense situation. Meanwhile, Nexstar Media Group, which owns Tegna and is in the process of acquiring the station for $6.2 billion, has also been drawn into the broader media landscape. The shooting has underscored the complex relationship between media, politics, and public safety, with authorities and the public grappling with the implications of such targeted violence.
Prosecutors have indicated that if convicted, Hernandez Santana could face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possessing and discharging a firearm within a school zone, and a maximum of one year in prison and a $10,000 fine for interfering with a radio communication station. The case has also prompted discussions about the need for enhanced security measures at broadcasting facilities, with officials expressing concerns over the potential for similar attacks in the future.