Teen Gunman Opens Fire in California Library Killing 2 and Wounding Child in Chilling Attack [WATCH]

An 18-year-old suspect is in custody after a shooting at a public library in Northern California left two people dead and a child injured on Monday evening, according to law enforcement officials, as reported by The New York Post.

Authorities said the shooting occurred shortly after 5 p.m. at a library in Butte County.

Police were dispatched after receiving reports of an active shooter, including a 911 call in which dispatchers could hear screams and gunfire from inside the building.

Officers responded to the scene within minutes and located the suspected gunman as he attempted to leave through a rear exit of the facility. Authorities identified the suspect as Bradley Scott Sayer, an 18-year-old resident of Chico.

Bradley Scott Sayer is at the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder.

They got him fast.Was looking for a mass shooting like Columbine HS.Luckily, the library was almost empty. pic.twitter.com/17nGF8MzjK— 0HOUR1 (@__0HOUR1_) June 23, 2026

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Sayer was taken into custody without further incident and later booked into the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder. Investigators said additional charges could be considered as the case moves forward.

JUST IN: 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer planned ‘massacre-type shooting’ at California library, kills 2 before being arrested — Chico police pic.twitter.com/VH1I0vLkIe

— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) June 23, 2026

The shooting remains under investigation by the Chico Police Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During a news conference Monday night, Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge addressed the incident and its impact on the community.

“The incident tonight was obviously very sad and very traumatic for a lot of people — very traumatic for our community,” Aldridge said.

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Investigators said preliminary evidence indicates the suspect acted alone and did not appear to have personally known any of the victims.

According to police, investigators believe Sayer was motivated by a desire to carry out what officials described as a “Columbine High School massacre-type of shooting.”

Authorities have not publicly released additional details regarding the suspect’s background or how investigators reached that conclusion.

Officials said the investigation remains active and that detectives are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews.

The shooting took place at a library that regularly hosts programs and events for children and teenagers.

Following the incident, officials announced that all Butte County library branches would remain closed on Tuesday as authorities continued their investigation and staff members assessed the aftermath of the shooting.

The identities of the deceased victims have not yet been released publicly pending notification of family members.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement following the attack.

“Our hearts are with the Chico community tonight,” Newsom said.

“We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift actions to secure the scene and take the suspect into custody. No family should have to endure a tragedy like this.”

State Rep. James Gallagher, whose district includes Chico, also responded to the shooting.

“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.”

“Thank you to the brave law enforcement officers and other first responders who responded quickly to protect our community. Chico is strong, and we will stand together in the days ahead,” Gallagher said.

Investigators have not announced a possible motive beyond their initial assessment regarding the suspect’s alleged interest in a mass-casualty attack.

Authorities said detectives are reviewing evidence recovered from the scene and examining any digital records or communications that could help establish a clearer timeline of events.

Police emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that officials are “conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and reviewing facts of the case.”

Chico is located approximately 90 miles north of Sacramento. Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the shooting to contact investigators as the case proceeds.

Bradley Scott Sayer is in custody within minutes of shooting up the mostly empty Butte County Library yesterday evening.

2 adults killed and a child was injured. https://t.co/TYQNXWTpKJ pic.twitter.com/2Z0p5ss5Q1— Adam Scott (@chefcascottccc) June 23, 2026

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