Man accused of firing at Sacramento ABC station tied to Epstein note, officials say
Handwritten notes found in the suspect’s car and home reference Jeffrey Epstein and warn officials; authorities say no injuries occurred.
Anibal Hernandez Santana, 63, was charged after he opened fire inside the lobby of ABC10's Sacramento station on Sept. 19, authorities said. There were no injuries, but employees sheltered in place and operations were paused as investigators collected evidence.
State prosecutors charged Santana with shooting into an occupied building, assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm. After Santana posted bail Saturday afternoon, police searched his car and found a handwritten note that read 'For hiding Epstein,' and that named FBI Director Kash Patel and other administration officials as 'next.' Investigators also found a planner at his home with notes, including an entry under 'Friday' that read 'Do the Next Scary Thing.'
Federal authorities said Santana is being held on a federal charge of interference with licensed broadcasts. The FBI said he was taken into custody on the federal hold, and that such 'targeted acts of violence' would be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting was 'unacceptable' and that authorities would pursue the case to the fullest extent of the law.
Santana's attorney, Mark Reichel, told Fox News Digital the circumstances surrounding the case are highly unusual. 'It is remarkably uncommon for any individual to face simultaneous state and federal charges for the same alleged conduct,' he said. 'Given the highly unusual circumstances here, we understand the news media and the public have many questions, as do we. 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 entitled to due process — he is innocent unless and until he is found otherwise.'
The FBI has taken Santana into custody under a federal hold for interference with licensed broadcasts. Authorities said there were no injuries at the station, and the investigation continues as officials review security footage and gather additional evidence.
Officials did not publicly disclose a motive, and they emphasized that targeted violence against media facilities is a federal concern. The case will proceed in federal court, with prosecutors indicating additional charges could be pursued as the investigation develops.
