Full Breakdown
Gunfire Strikes ABC10 Station in Sacramento Amid Protests
9/20/2025, 1:44:37 AM
Incident Overview
On Friday afternoon, September 19, 2025, the ABC affiliate station KXTV, also known as ABC10, in Sacramento, California, was struck by gunfire. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when at least three shots were fired into the building's lobby window from a passing vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the building was occupied at the time. Sacramento police are currently investigating the shooting, which they are classifying as a drive-by incident.
Context of the Shooting
The shooting follows a protest held outside the ABC10 station the previous day, where demonstrators expressed their discontent over the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" The show was pulled from the air by ABC after comments made by Kimmel regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The protests were part of a broader backlash against ABC's decision, which was influenced by pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and various media groups, including Nexstar Media Group, which owns multiple ABC affiliates.
Investigation and Official Responses
Sacramento police spokesperson Officer Anthony Gamble stated that investigators have not yet determined whether the shooting was random or targeted. As of now, there is no suspect information available, and police are actively seeking leads. Gamble emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, “This is unacceptable behavior. To those that may have been responsible for this, I hope you see this, we're not going to stop looking for you.”
Molly McMahon, a spokesperson for Tegna, the parent company of ABC10, confirmed the incident and reassured that all employees were safe. She stated, “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and have taken additional measures to ensure the continued safety of our employees.”
Criticism and Opposition
The protests against ABC's suspension of Kimmel have drawn attention to broader issues of free speech and media censorship. Protesters have accused the network of capitulating to political pressure, with signs reading “First Amendment” and “Resist” displayed during demonstrations. Critics argue that the suspension reflects a troubling trend of media outlets yielding to governmental and corporate pressures, potentially stifling dissenting voices.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police have classified the shooting as a drive-by, details regarding the suspect or the vehicle involved remain unclear. Some reports suggest that a white, heavy-set male driving a white, four-door Nissan may be connected to the shooting, based on eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage. However, this information has not been officially confirmed by law enforcement.
What's Next
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of media personnel, especially in light of the recent protests and the political climate surrounding media coverage of controversial topics. Further developments are anticipated as law enforcement continues its inquiry.
