Camilla Jessen
The Sacramento Police Department arrested Anibal Hernandez Santana on Friday.
Anibal Hernandez Santana, the man accused of shooting at Sacramento ABC affiliate ABC10, is now facing federal charges after authorities discovered a note with politically charged references during a search of his vehicle.
Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred on Friday, September 19, when Hernandez Santana reportedly fired one shot toward, and three shots into, the ABC10 station at 2555 3rd Street.
The first shot, fired from a sidewalk within a school zone, went into the air toward the building.
This was reported by PEOPLE.
Fired Directly Into Lobby
He then drove to the station’s front and fired three rounds directly into the lobby.
An ABC10 employee was present in the lobby at the time, but no injuries were reported, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of California.
State Charges and Bail
Hernandez Santana was initially arrested by the Sacramento Police Department on state charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm.
He was released on a $200,000 bail on Saturday, September 20.
Federal Arrest
Later that same day, Hernandez Santana was arrested by the FBI and booked into Sacramento County Main Jail, now ineligible for bail.
During a search of his vehicle, law enforcement found a note referencing FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“For Hiding Epstein”
“For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondi. They’re next. – C.K. from above,” the note stated.
Authorities also searched Hernandez Santana’s person and home.
A weekly planner attached to his refrigerator contained a handwritten note under “Friday.”
“Do the Next Scary Thing,” the note read.
Federal Charges Filed
On Monday, a three-count amended criminal complaint was filed, charging Hernandez Santana with:
- Possessing a firearm within a school zone
- Discharging a firearm within a school zone
- Interfering with a radio communication station
If convicted, Hernandez Santana faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the school zone firearm charges, and up to one year in prison and a $10,000 fine for interfering with a radio station.
Possible Motivation
The shooting occurred one day after protests outside ABC10 regarding the station’s decision to temporarily pull Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, though it is unclear if there is any connection.
Legal Representation and Due Process
Hernandez Santana’s attorney, Mark Reichel, noted the unusual nature of facing simultaneous state and federal charges. He emphasized that Hernandez Santana is entitled to due process:
“At this time, we have not had an opportunity to review the evidence in the case, so our ability to provide those answers is non-existent. Mr. Hernandez Santana is innocent unless and until he is found otherwise.”
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, which may have used AI in the preparation
