A quiet Northern California library turned into a scene of terror after an 18-year-old allegedly opened fire, killing two people and injuring a child.
Police said the shooting erupted just after 5 p.m. Monday at the Butte County Library in Chico, a community about 90 miles north of Sacramento.
Officers rushed to the scene after reports of an active shooter. Dramatic footage showed police swarming the library and blocking off the area with patrol cars and yellow tape.
The suspect, identified by authorities as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, of Chico, was arrested after allegedly trying to leave through a back door.
He was booked into the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder.
Police said Sayer did not appear to know the victims and allegedly had a desire to carry out a “Columbine High School massacre-type of shooting.” Investigators believe he acted alone.
The library, which regularly hosts events for children and teens, was shut down after the horrifying attack. All Butte County Library branches were closed Tuesday following the shooting.
“The incident tonight was obviously very sad and very traumatic for a lot of people — very traumatic for our community,” Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said at a Monday night news conference.
The FBI is assisting in the investigation, along with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office released a statement after the shooting, saying, “Our hearts are with the Chico community tonight.”
“We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift actions to secure the scene and take the suspect into custody,” Newsom said. “No family should have to endure a tragedy like this.”
Rep. James Gallagher, who represents Chico, also said he was “heartbroken” by the violence.
“I am heartbroken by the senseless act of violence in Chico tonight and am praying for the victims, their loved ones and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” Gallagher said.
He also thanked law enforcement and first responders for moving quickly to protect the community.
“Chico is strong, and we will stand together in the days ahead,” he said.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing as police conduct interviews, collect evidence and review the facts of the case.
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Another misled young person willing to kill innocent people for their depraved life. The fact that he more than likely should never see the light of day again, he’ll more than likely will be coddled and used once again as a victim of societies whatever they use as his excuse of being treated somehow badly by his parents or other misfortunes. Someone has to put a stop to our judicial systems leniency toward these brutal killers. I say he should face the death penalty, a short time in incarceration, then put to death by firing squad, guillotine, or gassed. No leathal shots.