Chico California Shooting – Heavy Police Presence Reported After Deadly Shooting at Butte County Library

A heavy police presence descended on the Butte County Library’s Chico branch after a deadly shooting left two people dead and a child injured, shocking the Northern California community. The incident unfolded on the afternoon of June 22, 2026, prompting an immediate response from the Chico Police Department, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and federal investigators, who quickly secured the scene and arrested the suspected gunman.

According to Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge, dispatchers received multiple 911 calls at approximately 5:12 p.m. reporting an active shooter inside the library on Sherman Avenue. The emergency calls captured the sound of gunfire and people screaming. Officers arrived within approximately two minutes, while additional law enforcement units surrounded the building, creating the large police presence witnessed by residents and motorists in the area. Authorities said the suspect attempted to flee through the rear of the library but was apprehended within four minutes of the initial emergency call.

Investigators identified the suspect as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer of Chico. Police said Sayer entered the library, briefly walked through the building, returned to his vehicle to retrieve a shotgun, and then re-entered before opening fire on library patrons. Officials stated that the attack appeared to be random and that there was no known relationship between the suspect and the victims.

Authorities confirmed that Jacob Hull, 46, of Chico, and Robert Johnson, 74, of Orland, died from their injuries. A juvenile girl sustained minor injuries after being struck by broken glass during the shooting and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was treated and later reported in stable condition. Police recovered the shotgun used in the attack inside the library, while two additional firearms were found inside the suspect’s vehicle.

During a joint investigation involving the FBI and local law enforcement, officials revealed that the suspect allegedly intended to carry out a Columbine-inspired mass shooting. Investigators said Sayer had expressed a long-standing fascination with the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, wore clothing referencing one of the Columbine shooters, and had posted material online before the attack indicating his violent intentions. Prosecutors later disclosed that he also allegedly attempted to start a fire inside the library during the incident.

The shooting has profoundly affected the Chico community, where the public library has long served as a gathering place for families, students, and residents. In the aftermath of the tragedy, all Butte County library branches were temporarily closed while grief counselors and victim support services were made available. County officials have since added security personnel at library locations while evaluating long-term safety measures, though residents remain divided over whether increased security is the best solution.

Bradley Scott Sayer has been charged with two counts of murder and remains in custody without bail as the criminal case proceeds. Investigators continue to examine evidence, digital records, and witness statements as they work to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Authorities have asked anyone with additional information or relevant video footage to contact the Chico Police Department or the FBI.