Shooting suspect scoped out library before returning with a shotgun and killing 2, police say
Shooting Suspect Scouted Chico Library Before Attack
Shooting suspect scoped out library before – Authorities in Northern California confirmed that a 18-year-old suspect meticulously scouted the Chico library before carrying out a deadly attack, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. According to Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge, the suspect’s actions were swift, with gunfire and screams reported on a 911 call Monday evening. Officers arrived within two minutes, quickly containing the situation and apprehending the perpetrator before additional fatalities occurred. “From the first 911 call to having him in custody was less than four minutes,” Aldridge said, underscoring the rapid response that prevented a greater tragedy.
Suspect’s Actions and Weapons
The suspect, identified as Bradley Scott Sayer of Chico, entered the library’s main entrance armed with a shotgun, fatally shooting a man in the leg and then in the head. Afterward, he moved inside and fired multiple rounds, striking another man in the head. A child was also injured during the attack, though her identity was not disclosed. The suspect fled through the rear of the library, but law enforcement stationed behind the structure swiftly cornered him and secured his capture. Sayer’s firearms, including a shotgun and two additional guns, were recovered from the library and his vehicle.
“Yesterday’s violent attack was horrific,” said Sid Patel, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Sacramento office. “The full force of the FBI is assisting this investigation.”
The FBI’s involvement highlights the gravity of the incident, which has sparked concerns about safety in public spaces like libraries. Officials noted that Sayer had previously walked through the library, indicating premeditated planning. His weapons, registered to his family, were found at the scene, though no further details about their ownership were released. This detail suggests a deliberate approach to the attack, with the suspect using the library as a strategic target.
Community Response and Safety Measures
The shooting has left the Chico community in shock, with officials promising enhanced security at all library locations. The city, home to around 100,000 residents and California State University, Chico, is approximately 150 miles northeast of San Francisco. Misty Wright, director of public libraries in Butte County, described the library as a “place of joy” and “safe haven,” but the attack shattered that perception. She noted that the library had been patrolled by mobile units, though the officers’ arming status remained unclear.
Local residents like Jeannie Lee Schroeder witnessed the chaos unfold, reporting a “massive deployment” of police near the library. As officers moved toward the street, a nearby bus driver began evacuating bystanders, ensuring their safety. The city implemented temporary street closures and set up a family reunification center to assist those affected by the incident. These measures reflect the immediate efforts to manage the aftermath and provide support to victims and witnesses.
Shooting Suspect’s Connections to Past Incidents
Officials have linked Sayer to the Columbine High School massacre, citing his admiration for the 1999 tragedy. Surveillance footage showed him wearing a white T-shirt with the slogan “natural selection,” a reference to Eric Harris, one of the Columbine shooters. “He had been a fan, and a fan for a long time,” said Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey, emphasizing Sayer’s long-standing interest in the event. His motive remains under investigation, though no prior relationships to the victims were disclosed.
The Chico library shooting also highlights a concerning trend of fatal attacks in libraries over the past decade. In 2023, a man in Tulsa, Oklahoma, received a life sentence after pleading guilty to killing two people—one in a library and another in a convenience store. Similarly, in 2020, a suspect in Spring Valley, New York, was committed to a mental health facility for fatally stabbing a library security guard. A teenager from Clovis, New Mexico, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017 for shooting two library employees. These cases, along with the Chico tragedy, have prompted a review of security protocols across all library branches.