Chico library shooting suspect apparently wanted Columbine-type massacre, police say

Police said an 18-year-old suspect accused of opening fire inside a Northern California library Monday appeared to be trying to carry out a Columbine-style mass shooting.

Two adult patrons were killed and a child was injured in the shooting at the Butte County Library in Chico, officials said.

Chico police said officers responded at 5:12 p.m. after dispatchers received reports of an active shooter at the library, located at Sherman and East 1st avenues. An open 911 line allowed dispatchers to hear screaming and gunshots inside the building.

Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said officers were dispatched based on what dispatchers heard and arrived in less than two minutes. By 5:16 p.m., the suspect was in custody.

Aldridge said he believes the quick response helped prevent more deaths.

As officers moved inside, the suspect ran out the back of the building, where other officers stationed along a perimeter took him into custody, police said.

Police identified the victims as 74-year-old Robert Johnson and 46-year-old Jacob Hull. Officials said a female juvenile who was with Hull was also injured, likely by broken glass. She was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.

All three victims were library patrons, not library employees, officials said.

Chico police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Chico resident Bradley Scott Sayer. He was arrested and booked into the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder.

Investigators said there is no known connection between Sayer and anyone inside the library at the time of the shooting.

Police said they believe Sayer was influenced by the Columbine High School massacre based on interviews during the investigation.

Investigators believe about eight rounds were fired inside the library. Police said one firearm was recovered at the scene and two additional firearms were found in Sayer's vehicle. Authorities are still working to trace the firearms, but believe they were connected to Sayer.

No officers fired their weapons during the incident, and no officers were injured, officials said. Aldridge said there was no use of force by officers while taking Sayer into custody.

Police said the shooting appears to be isolated and there is no further threat to the community.

The Chico Police Department is leading the investigation. The Butte County Sheriff's Office and the FBI are assisting.

"I am heartbroken by this senseless violence and am praying for the victims, their loved ones and everyone impacted by this tragedy," Assemblymember James Gallagher, R-East Nicolaus, said. "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."

California Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued a statement on the shooting.

"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."

Butte County Director of Libraries Misty Wright said in a statement on Tuesday that libraries should be places where people of all ages can feel safe.

"Yesterday, that sense of safety was shattered," Wright said. "We grieve for the innocent victims and their loved ones. We grieve for those who witnessed something no one should ever have to witness. We grieve for our staff, our patrons, and our entire community. And we acknowledge the fear, sadness, and heartbreak that so many are carrying today."

Wright also acknowledged what she described as bravery among staff members who helped visitors and each other.

"The people who work in our libraries choose this profession because they care deeply about others. They believe in service. They believe in community. They believe that every person who walks through our doors matters," she said. "Yesterday, our staff embodied those values. Their actions reflect the very best of public service and the very heart of what libraries represent. For that, I am profoundly grateful."