FBI Arrests Sacramento Man in ABC10 Sacramento Shooting After Bail Release; Anibal Hernandez Santana Faces Federal Charges
Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, was arrested on federal charges after the September 19 shooting at ABC10’s Sacramento newsroom; bullets struck the lobby, no injuries reported, and a politically charged note found in his car prompted federal intervention.
Key takeaways
- Suspect: Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, of Sacramento — sources: Los Angeles Times, CBS Sacramento.
- Incident: Shots fired into ABC10 (KXTV) newsroom on September 19, 2025; at least three bullets struck the lobby, no injuries reported — reporting: CBS Sacramento, ABC News.
- Charges: State felony counts for discharging into an inhabited dwelling and assault with a semi-automatic firearm; federal counts include interference with a licensed communications station and related firearm offenses — reporting: CBS Sacramento, ABC News.
- Bail and rearrest: Released on $200,000 bail after state booking, then taken into federal custody hours later by the FBI — CBS Sacramento, ABC7.
What happened at the station
On the morning of September 19, 2025, shots were fired at the ABC10 (KXTV) newsroom in Sacramento. Surveillance video and witness accounts show bullets striking the building’s lobby while people were inside; no injuries were reported. Officials say the shots came from a vehicle driven by the suspect, and investigators later tied a car to the scene through video and witness descriptions (ABC News).
Arrest, bail and federal rearrest
Law enforcement arrested Anibal Hernandez Santana hours after the shooting and initially booked him on state charges. Under California law he posted $200,000 bail and was released. Federal agents moved quickly; the FBI took him into custody at his home roughly four hours after his state release on federal charges tied to the attack (CBS Sacramento, ABC7, ABC News).
Evidence and alleged motive
Investigators say they found a handwritten note inside Hernandez Santana’s car referencing “hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags” and naming high-profile figures — including FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The note reportedly read:
“They’re next. — C.K. from above”
Prosecutors say the “C.K.” language likely refers to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was recently killed in a separate high-profile incident. Investigators also recovered a copy of The Cult of Trump and a day planner with the phrase “Do the Next Scary Thing” marked on the date of the shooting, which federal authorities say supports the view the attack was politically motivated (Los Angeles Times).
Charges and legal process
State prosecutors charged Hernandez Santana with felony counts including discharging a firearm into an inhabited dwelling and assault with a semi-automatic firearm (CBS Sacramento).
The FBI added federal charges that include interference with a licensed communications station and alleged firearm offenses such as possession and discharge within a school zone — statutes that allowed federal authorities to re-arrest him after his state release (ABC News).
Hernandez Santana is expected to appear in both state and federal court. Officials say the investigation is ongoing as they continue to examine the note, the suspect’s motive, and whether others may be involved (Los Angeles Times, ABC7).
Official reactions and community response
FBI Director Kash Patel described the shooting as a “targeted act of violence” and pledged federal resources to pursue the case “to the fullest extent of the law.” Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho called the shooting an attack on the media and on public safety, stressing the seriousness of firing into an occupied building (CBS Sacramento).
Neighbors and coworkers reacted with shock; some described Hernandez Santana as a “nice guy” who had not been known to local police before these allegations surfaced. Officials said he did not have a significant criminal record in the area (ABC7, Los Angeles Times).
Why federal charges were brought
Federal prosecutors moved in after investigators determined the attack targeted a communications outlet and because materials recovered at the scene suggested a politically motivated threat. Interfering with a licensed communications station is a federal offense due to the potential to disrupt public information and raise broader safety concerns; federal firearm statutes also apply in protected zones such as near schools (ABC News).
The quick federal intervention — rearresting Hernandez Santana only hours after his state release — underscores law enforcement’s view that the case raises public-safety and national-security concerns beyond local charges (CBS Sacramento, ABC7).
Implications for Colusa, California
Local impacts may include heightened public concern and requests for increased patrols near public buildings, schools and media outlets; reviews of coordination protocols between county and federal law enforcement; and renewed conversation about political rhetoric and the risk of violence tied to national narratives.
- Public safety: Residents and officials may seek briefings and reassurance from law enforcement and prioritize emergency procedures.
- Law enforcement coordination: Colusa agencies could review protocols for working with federal partners on threats to communications infrastructure.
- Media and cultural effects: Small newsrooms may reassess building security and staff safety plans and pursue regional collaboration.
- Practical steps: Expect possible increased law enforcement presence at public venues and guidance to report suspicious activity.
Sources and reporting
This article draws on reporting from CBS Sacramento, ABC News, ABC7 Sacramento, and the Los Angeles Times.
Ongoing coverage will follow court filings and statements from federal and local officials as the investigation continues and hearings proceed.
