Full Breakdown
Chico Library Shooting: Columbine-Inspired Attack Leaves Two Dead
6/24/2026, 6:33:39 AM
Incident Overview
On June 22, 2026, 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer entered the Chico branch of the Butte County Library, retrieved a shotgun from his car, and opened fire. Two adult patrons—Jacob Hull (46) and Robert Johnson (74)—were killed; a juvenile girl suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Sayer fled out the back and was taken into custody without further violence.
Timeline
- 5:12 p.m.: 911 calls report gunshots and screaming.
- 5:14 p.m.: Officers arrive at the entrance.
- 5:16 p.m.: Sayer is apprehended after exiting the rear.
Victims
Jacob Hull (46) and Robert Johnson (74) died; a minor girl injured by broken glass was released from the hospital.
Law Enforcement Response
Chief Billy Aldridge said officers secured the perimeter within two minutes, preventing further loss of life. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI’s Sacramento field office, and state investigators assisted. Sayer was booked on two open murder counts; two additional firearms were found in his car, and the shotgun used was recovered from the library floor.
Background & Motivation
Investigators linked Sayer’s motive to the 1999 Columbine massacre. He wore a white T-shirt reading “natural selection,” mirroring a shirt worn by shooter Eric Harris. District Attorney Michael Ramsey called him a long-time “fan” of Columbine-related content. FBI Special Agent Sid Patel confirmed the intent to emulate a Columbine-style attack.
Official Statements & Responses
Police said Sayer acted alone with no victim connection. The library expressed condolences and closed all branches. Governor Gavin Newsom, Rep. James Gallagher and the FBI offered sympathy and pledged continued support.
Criticism & Opposition
Library Director Misty Wright noted the lack of security personnel, saying “a library should be a place of joy.” Officials cited three fatal library attacks in the past nine years, urging stronger security measures.
Data & Statistics
Eight shotgun rounds were fired; two extra firearms were recovered from Sayer’s car. California logged about 2,900 gun-related deaths in 2024, roughly 45 % below the national rate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early coverage listed the adult victim’s age as 36; later reports corrected it to 46. Victim names were initially withheld, then identified. The origin of the firearms found in Sayer’s car remains undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From the first 911 call to having him in custody was less than four minutes,” — Billy Aldridge, Chico Police Chief
- “He had been a fan, and a fan for a long time” — Michael Ramsey, Butte County District Attorney
- “Our hearts are with the Chico community tonight.” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
- “A library should be a place of joy,” — Misty Wright, Director of Public Libraries, Butte County
What’s Next
All library branches are set to reopen on Wednesday with added security. Sayer’s arraignment is scheduled for Thursday in Oroville, and investigators will continue probing the weapons’ source and any possible accomplices.
