2026 Chico library shooting
 | This article reads like a press release or a news article and may be largely based on routine coverage. (June 2026) |
| 2026 Chico library shooting | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | 39°44′37″N 121°50′03″W / 39.743500°N 121.834219°W Chico, California, US |
| Date | June 22, 2026 5:10 p.m. – 5:16 p.m. (PDT; UTC−07:00) |
| Target | Butte County Library, Chico Branch |
Attack type | Attempted mass murder |
| Weapon | 20-gauge Remington 870 pump-action shotgun[1][2] |
| Deaths | 2 |
| Injured | 1 (injured by broken glass) |
| Motive | Columbine High School massacre copycat crime[3] |
| Accused | Bradley Scott Sayer |
| Charges | Two counts of special-circumstance murder |
On June 22, 2026, a shooting occurred at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library, a public library in Chico, California, United States. The gunman fatally shot two men. A female juvenile was injured by broken glass during the impact. The suspect was identified by Chico police as Bradley Scott Sayer, who had an obsession with the Columbine High School massacre.[3][4][5]
Shooting
[edit]At approximately 5:10 p.m. PDT, Sayer walked through the library without a weapon first, then returned to his vehicle to retrieve a shotgun from the trunk. After re-entering the building, Sayer shot 74-year-old Robert Johnson twice, once in the leg and again fatally in the head.[6] Law enforcement noted that Sayer's unfamiliarity with the weapon significantly slowed down the attack. He did not know how to preload the firearm and was forced to manually load one shell at a time, limiting the potential loss of life. Sayer fired roughly eight rounds during the incident.[7]
Police dispatchers received multiple calls about an active shooter inside the library at 5:12 p.m. PDT. Two minutes later at 5:14 p.m., the first officer arrived at the scene. As more officers arrived, Sayer fled out the back of the library before being apprehended immediately without incident two minutes later at 5:16 p.m.[8] Two additional firearms (both registered by a family member) were also found from inside his vehicle.[9]
Victims
[edit]Two adult men, 46-year-old Jacob Hull of Chico and 74-year-old Robert Johnson of Orland, were killed in the shooting.[10] The incident also injured a female juvenile by broken glass but was transported in fair condition.[3]
Suspect
[edit]The suspect was identified as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer (born 2008), a Chico resident who at the time recently graduated from Chico High School two weeks beforehand, and was on the "highly-functioning" autism spectrum, according to his father who spoke in a phone interview.[9][10] Chico police replied in a statement that Sayer acted alone and had no connection to the victims or the library.[10] Exactly two hours before the shooting, Sayer made one last phone call to his father, who told the San Francisco Chronicle that the conversation was "positive". After the shooting, Sayer's parents were interviewed by investigators, but officials declined to discuss what they said, citing the ongoing investigation.[9]
Sayer allegedly had a fascination with the Columbine High School massacre. FBI special agent Sid Patel stated he wore a T-shirt with "natural selection" written on it, a reference to one of the perpetrators.[3]
Sayer was arraigned on June 25, 2026 for two counts of murder with special circumstances. During the arraignment hearing, Sayer flashed a white power symbol. Prosecutors have said they are not currently seeking the death penalty, though this may change. Sayer is next expected in court on July 19.[11]
Reactions
[edit]California Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement, saying: "We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift actions to secure the scene and take the suspect into custody. No family should have to endure a tragedy like this."[9] Republican representative James Gallagher also released a statement saying that he was "heartbroken by the senseless act of violence" and thanked first responders.[9]
See also
[edit]- Clovis library shooting – a shooting at public library in Clovis, New Mexico
References
[edit]- ^ Rupena, Vincent (June 25, 2026). "DA: Suspect's unfamiliarity with shotgun may have limited Chico library shooting". KRCR. Retrieved June 26, 2026.
- ^ Robinson, Adam (June 25, 2026). "DA details alleged motive, planning in deadly Chico library shooting". KRCR.
- ^ a b c d "Chico library shooting suspect apparently wanted Columbine-type massacre, police say". CBS News. June 23, 2026.
- ^ O'Keefe, Ross (June 23, 2026). "'Columbine-obsessed' gunman who shot 2 dead in California library identified — as creepy graduation video emerges". Yahoo News.
- ^ King, Jordan. "Chico library shooting: Two dead, child injured as suspect arrested". MSN. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
- ^ "Police: Chico library shooting suspect wanted a Columbine-style massacre". KHNL. June 23, 2026.
- ^ Brancart, Claudia (June 23, 2026). "DA says suspect's unfamiliarity with shotgun slowed deadly library attack". North State Public Radio.
- ^ "California teen plotted Columbine-type shooting at library that left two dead, officials say". The Guardian. June 22, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e "Father of Northern California library shooting suspect saw 'zero' warning signs". San Francisco Chronicle. June 23, 2026.
- ^ a b c Baker, Taylor (June 23, 2026). "Police: Northern California shooter sought "Columbine-type" attack; 18-year-old identified". KOKH.
- ^ "Chico library shooter Bradley Scott Sayer flashes hateful symbol in first court appearance since killing two". California Post. June 25, 2026. Retrieved June 26, 2026.
