FBI arrests man in Sacramento ABC10 shooting after bail release

The FBI arrested 63-year-old Anibal Hernandez Santana in connection with the shooting outside Sacramento's ABC10 television station, hours after he was released on bail, officials said Monday. FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the suspect remained under a federal hold for interference with licensed broadcasts. U.S. Attorney Eric Grant later announced that Hernandez Santana has been charged with possessing a firearm within a school zone, discharging a firearm within a school zone and interfering with a radio communication station.

Police responded to the ABC10 building Friday afternoon after reports of gunfire. No injuries were reported, but bullet holes damaged a window in the front lobby. Authorities said shots were fired from a vehicle that quickly fled the scene, and officers identified the suspect's car, which helped lead to the arrest. A search of Hernandez Santana’s person, home and vehicle was conducted.

Hernandez Santana had been arrested previously on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building and negligent discharge of a firearm. He had been released on $200,000 bail Saturday following the initial arrest, but Sacramento County Jail records later listed him as ineligible for bail. Federal authorities stepped in after determining the incident targeted a federally licensed broadcaster and filed the new charges as the investigation progressed.

Investigators recovered a handwritten note in the home under the word Friday reading Do the Next Scary Thing and another note referencing public figures and a warning to avoid support for certain individuals. A weekly planner and other documents were found at the residence. Authorities said there was no indication of a specific motive, but prosecutors emphasized the case involves interference with licensed broadcasts.

For context, ABC10 is owned by Tegna, which Nexstar Media Group is in the process of acquiring for $6.2 billion. The broader media environment has recently included debates and protests over network decisions, including a small protest outside the Sacramento station on Thursday over Disney-owned ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel off-air after comments about a slain activist. Disney later announced a return date for Kimmel following discussions with executives. In Sacramento, police noted increased patrols near the station as a precaution amid the investigation and ongoing security concerns.

If convicted on the federal charges, Hernandez Santana faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possessing and discharging a firearm within a school zone, and up to one year in prison and a $10,000 fine for interfering with a radio communication station. The case remains under federal review as prosecutors outline the timeline of events and the ongoing investigation into potential motives and connections.

As the investigation continues, authorities stressed that there were no reported injuries at ABC10 and that additional safety measures are being considered by local and federal partners.