A 64‑year‑old man named Anibal Hernandez Santana was arrested Saturday after allegedly firing multiple shots into the lobby window of Sacramento’s ABC affiliate ABC10. The shooting came one day after protests at the station over its indefinite suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” due to controversial remarks connected to Charlie Kirk’s death. Thankfully, no one inside was hurt despite the building being occupied.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m., with at least three rounds fired from a vehicle. Police were able to trace the suspected car to a residence in River Park and arrested Hernandez Santana on charges that include assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm. His bail has been set at $200,000. The motive is still under investigation, and officials have not confirmed whether the act was connected to the protests.
ABC10’s parent company, Tegna, issued a statement that all employees are safe, and the station is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The company also announced additional safety measures following the incident. Local police and the FBI are working together on the investigation.
Protesters outside the station had been carrying signs like “First Amendment,” “You’re Next,” and “Resist,” calling for free speech after the suspension of Kimmel’s show. Kimmel was pulled off the air after ABC affiliates led by Nexstar and Sinclair rejected comments he made about Kirk’s assassin, prompting backlash from political and media circles. Though protests preceded the shooting, authorities say they have found no direct evidence that protests and the gunfire were connected.
Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. As the investigation continues, concerns remain over threats to journalists and media outlets in an increasingly polarized climate. Sacramento’s leadership has condemned the violence, calling any act of aggression toward news organizations an attack on democratic values.
