Shooting suspect scoped out library before returning with a shotgun and killing 2, police say

Chico Library Shooting: Suspect Prepped Attack Before Fatal Incident

Shooting suspect scoped out library before – On Monday evening, a violent shooting at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library left two people dead and a child injured, according to law enforcement. The 18-year-old suspect, identified as Bradley Scott Sayer, was apprehended within minutes of the attack, with officers crediting their quick response for preventing further casualties. Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge described the event as a “horrific” moment that shook the local community.

Suspect’s Actions and Timeline

Authorities reported that Sayer conducted a walkthrough of the library before retrieving a shotgun from his vehicle. The attack began at the main entrance, where he fatally shot a man in the leg, followed by a headshot inside the building. Additional gunfire occurred, resulting in the death of a second individual. The suspect then fled through the rear of the facility, prompting a swift police intervention.

“From the first 911 call to having him in custody was less than 4 minutes,” Aldridge said, praising officers for their decisive action in limiting the loss of life.

Special Agent Sid Patel of the FBI’s Sacramento office confirmed the suspect acted alone and described the sequence of events as “yesterday’s violent attack was horrific.” Patel noted that the FBI is fully involved in the investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime. The victims, identified as 46-year-old Jacob Hull and 74-year-old Robert Johnson, were both found dead at the scene. A child was taken to the hospital with a minor injury, though her name was withheld by authorities.

Weapons and Suspect’s Background

During the investigation, police recovered a shotgun from the library floor and two other firearms from Sayer’s car. The weapons were registered to the suspect’s family, according to Aldridge. Sayer, a recent graduate of Chico High School on June 5, was booked into the Butte County Jail on suspicion of two counts of murder. So far, no evidence suggests he had prior ties to the victims.

Sayer’s family has hired an attorney, but the lawyer’s identity remains undisclosed. A search of court records on Tuesday did not reveal any prior charges linked to his name, indicating this may be his first major offense. The suspect was wearing a white T-shirt with the slogan “natural selection,” a nod to the iconic attire of Eric Harris, one of the Columbine shooters in 1999. “He had been a fan, and a fan for a long time,” said Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey, highlighting his online admiration for the mass shooting.

Community Response and Security Measures

The incident in Chico, a city of approximately 100,000 residents located 150 miles northeast of San Francisco, has prompted officials to reassess safety protocols. Misty Wright, director of public libraries in Butte County, expressed dismay over the attack, stating, “A library should be a place of joy. Most of all, it should be a place that feels safe. Yesterday that safety was shattered.”

“The incident this evening was obviously very sad, traumatic for a lot of people. Very traumatic for our community,” Aldridge added, underscoring the widespread impact of the event.

Following the shooting, the library was surrounded by police patrol cars, with officers pointing rifles at the building as they secured the area. A video from the scene shows the suspect lying face down on the ground, being handcuffed by an officer who then hands him over to another for transport. Temporary road closures and a family reunification center were established to assist those inside the facility during the chaos.

Context of Previous Library Attacks

This shooting marks the third fatal library attack in the last nine years, according to officials. In 2023, a man in Tulsa, Oklahoma, received a life sentence after pleading guilty to killing two individuals—one in a library and another in a convenience store. A similar pattern emerged in 2020 when a suspect in Spring Valley, New York, was committed to a mental health facility for fatally stabbing a library security guard. In 2017, a teenager from Clovis, New Mexico, was also sentenced to life in prison for the deaths of two library employees.

The Chico attack has reignited concerns about security in public spaces, particularly libraries. Wright mentioned that prior to the incident, mobile patrols were present at the library, though it was unclear if they were armed. The community, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, now faces the challenge of balancing accessibility with safety.

Witness Accounts and Aftermath

Jeannie Lee Schroeder, a local resident, described the panic that ensued when she spotted the large police presence near the library. As officers armed with firearms marched toward the street, the bus driver began maneuvering the vehicle to ensure the safety of passengers. “The streets around the library were closed temporarily, and a family reunification center was set up for people inside,” Aldridge explained, detailing the immediate measures taken post-incident.

While the exact motive behind Sayer’s actions remains under investigation, the connection to Columbine has sparked discussions about the influence of violent media on young individuals. Ramsey noted that Sayer’s social media activity reflected a long-standing interest in the 1999 massacre, though no direct link to the event was confirmed. The suspect is expected to appear in court for arraignment on Thursday, with the community awaiting further details about his intentions and mental state.

As the city grapples with the aftermath, officials have pledged to enhance security at all library locations. Aldridge highlighted the need for increased vigilance, stating, “The full force of the FBI is assisting this investigation.” The tragedy has not only shaken the Chico community but also served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces. With the suspect now in custody, the focus shifts to understanding the broader implications of such incidents and preventing future tragedies.