Full Breakdown
Two Killed, Child Injured in Shooting at Chico’s Butte County Library
6/23/2026, 11:43:56 PM
Incident Overview
On Monday, June 22, 2026, a gunman opened fire inside the Chico branch of the Butte County Library in northern California. Police responded to a 911 call at 5:12 p.m. reporting gunshots and screaming. Officers entered the building at 5:18 p.m.; the shooter fled through the rear exit and was apprehended by officers positioned behind the library. Two adult patrons were killed, and a juvenile was taken to Enloe Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The library was open to the public at the time of the attack.
Key Figures & Agencies
- Chief Billy Aldridge, Chico Police Department – led the response and press briefings.
- Governor Gavin Newsom – issued a statewide statement of condolence.
- Butte County officials – coordinated library closures and family-reunification services.
- FBI Sacramento office – assisting the investigation.
- Suspect – identified as an 18-year-old in one report (Bradley Scott Sayer) but unnamed in several others; held on two counts of murder.
Timeline of Events
- 5:12 p.m. – 911 call received; audio captured gunfire and screams.
- 5:18 p.m. – Police entered the library; suspect exited rear doors.
- Shortly after – Perimeter officers detained the suspect without further gunfire.
- Evening – Chief Aldridge held a news conference; streets around Sherman Avenue and East 3rd Street were closed “late into the night.”
- Tuesday, June 23 – All Butte County library branches remained closed.
- Wednesday, June 24 – Library branches scheduled to reopen.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 2 adults (names withheld pending family notification).
- Injured: 1 child, minor injuries.
- Weapon: Single firearm; no exchange of fire with police.
- Location: Chico, CA – ~90 mi north of Sacramento, ~150 mi northeast of San Francisco, less than 0.5 mi from an elementary school.
- Public impact: Library closures, street cordons, family reunification center established at Chico First Assembly of God Church.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Aldridge described the event as “obviously very sad and very traumatic for a lot of people…for our community,” and affirmed that investigators, with local, state and federal partners, see no ongoing public threat and believe the shooter acted alone. Governor Newsom expressed solidarity, noting the community’s grief and praising law-enforcement’s swift action. Butte County officials posted condolences on Facebook and urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation proceeds. The FBI’s Sacramento office asked the public to follow on-scene directions and stay clear of the scene.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Resident Mollie Macarthy-Openshaw, who lives near the library, said she avoided the building that day, later sprinting home when she heard gunfire: “Praise the Lord I chose not to go to the library.” A family reunification center was set up to assist those inside the library at the time of the shooting.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the suspect’s identity: most reports state the name was not released, while a CNN article identifies the individual as Bradley Scott Sayer, an 18-year-old booked on two murder counts. No motive has been disclosed, and details about the firearm remain unspecified.
Why It Matters
The attack underscores the vulnerability of traditionally safe public spaces such as libraries. It joins a series of recent library shootings—including incidents in Tulsa (2023), Spring Valley, NY (2020), and Clovis, NM (2017)—prompting renewed discussion about security measures in civic institutions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The incident tonight was obviously very sad and very traumatic for a lot of people — very traumatic for our community,” — Billy Aldridge, Chico Police Chief
- “Our hearts are with the Chico community tonight.” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
- “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,” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
- “deepest condolences to everyone affected, including the victims, their loved ones, library staff, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking incident.” — Butte County, official Facebook post
- “Praise the Lord I chose not to go to the library,” — Mollie Macarthy-Openshaw, Chico resident
What’s Next
The victims’ names will be released after next-of-kin notification. The suspect faces two murder charges, and the FBI, along with state and local agencies, will continue the investigation. Library services resume on June 24, while authorities assess security protocols to prevent future incidents.
