A shooting at a public library in Chico, California, left two people dead and one injured Monday evening, with an 18-year-old suspect arrested as he attempted to flee the building. The attack at the Butte County Library’s Chico branch is drawing scrutiny from federal law enforcement over the suspect’s alleged ties to an online community that glorifies mass killings.
What Happened
Shots rang out shortly after 5 p.m. on June 23 inside the library. Authorities identified the suspect as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, who was taken into custody at the rear of the building as he tried to escape. He is currently held in the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder.
Investigators say Sayer did not know either of his victims. One victim, Robert Johnson, 74, was fatally shot near the main entrance and was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim, Cody Hull, 46, had accompanied a friend’s daughter to the library and was shot toward the back of the building. Hull was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The girl who had been with Hull sustained minor injuries from broken glass and was released from the hospital.
Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge described the community impact of the attack. “The incident this evening was obviously very sad, traumatic for a lot of people,” Aldridge said. “Very traumatic for our community.”
Hull’s brother expressed grief over the loss. “I’m completely devastated to have lost my brother,” Benjamin Heneberry said.
By the Numbers
Law enforcement recovered three firearms connected to the incident — a shotgun found on the library floor and two additional weapons discovered in the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot. Approximately eight rounds were fired in total. All Butte County Library branches were closed Tuesday as the investigation continued, though officials stated there was no ongoing danger to the public.
Columbine Connection Under Investigation
Authorities said Sayer appeared to have modeled the attack on the 1999 Columbine High School massacre. He was wearing clothing similar to that associated with Columbine shooter Eric Harris, and investigators believe he wanted to carry out a similar mass-casualty event. Sayer is also tentatively linked to an online group that idolizes mass killers — a network that law enforcement says has been connected to prior shootings.
Officers believe Sayer acted alone. The Chico Police Department is working alongside the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI as the investigation proceeds.
Zoom Out
The Chico shooting fits a troubling pattern that law enforcement officials have tracked for years: attacks inspired or facilitated by online communities that treat perpetrators of mass violence as figures of admiration. Federal investigators have increasingly focused on these networks as both radicalization pipelines and logistical support structures. California has been the site of several high-profile violent incidents in recent years, and law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal level have elevated their focus on threat detection. The FBI’s involvement signals the potential reach of any online network associated with Sayer extends beyond Butte County. Federal authorities have been active in Northern California on other serious public safety matters as well.
What’s Next
Sayer faces two murder charges and remains in custody. Investigators have not yet disclosed whether additional charges related to the weapons or any conspiracy elements are under consideration. The FBI’s role in the investigation suggests authorities are working to map the full scope of any online networks Sayer may have been affiliated with.
Library branches across Butte County were expected to remain closed at least through Tuesday while authorities processed the scene. Officials said the investigation is active and ongoing, and further details are expected as the case develops.