Suspected Library Gunman Influenced by Columbine, Officials Say

Chico Library Shooting Suspect Linked to Columbine

Authorities revealed Tuesday that the 18-year-old man accused of a deadly shooting at a Northern California library on Monday had demonstrated an interest in the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and other similar incidents. The suspect, identified as Bradley Scott Sayer, had no apparent prior connection to the library or any of the individuals targeted, according to the Chico Police Department.

Investigators report that before opening fire, Sayer allegedly surveyed the library’s interior. He then reportedly returned to his vehicle to retrieve a shotgun. Upon entering the Chico branch of the Butte County Library, Sayer is accused of fatally shooting one man near the main entrance and another inside the building.

The rapid response of law enforcement is credited with preventing further casualties. Following multiple emergency calls, officers arrived on the scene and quickly established a perimeter. Sayer was apprehended by police shortly after exiting the building.

“From the initial 911 call to securing the suspect in custody, the operation took less than four minutes,” stated Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge. He recounted that one 911 call captured sounds of gunfire and distress, underscoring the critical role of the swift police intervention.

The victims have been identified as 46-year-old Jacob Hull, who sustained injuries to both the leg and head, and 74-year-old Robert Johnson, who was shot in the head. An underage girl also sustained injuries and received medical treatment at a local hospital. In total, eight shots were fired during the incident, police confirmed.

Sayer had recently graduated from Chico High School on June 5, according to Sid Patel, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Sacramento office. A search of Sayer’s vehicle, found in the library parking lot, yielded two additional firearms. Law enforcement is currently investigating the origin of these weapons.

Patel also noted that Sayer was wearing a white T-shirt bearing the phrase “natural selection,” a detail that mirrors attire worn by Eric Harris, one of the perpetrators of the Columbine High School shooting. This detail has drawn significant attention from investigators examining the suspect’s motivations.

Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey commented on Sayer’s alleged fascination, stating that the suspect had been an avid follower of content related to the Columbine shootings on social media for an extended period. Sayer is slated for arraignment on Thursday.