Sacramento Man Faces Federal Charges After Shooting at ABC10 Station

Anibal Hernandez Santana, a 64-year-old Sacramento resident, has been charged with multiple federal and state offenses following a shooting at the ABC10 television station. On September 19, 2025, Hernandez Santana allegedly fired several shots into the station's lobby, causing property damage but no injuries.

Federal charges include possessing and discharging a firearm within a school zone and interfering with a radio communication station. State charges encompass assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm.

Investigators discovered handwritten notes in Hernandez Santana's car expressing disapproval of Trump administration officials, with one note stating, "they're next." A calendar entry at his residence read, "Do the next scary thing," dated the day of the shooting.

The motive remains under investigation, but authorities are considering potential political motivations. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho indicated that evidence suggests the shooting was politically motivated.

Hernandez Santana, a retired lobbyist, was initially arrested on local charges and released on bail before being re-arrested by the FBI on federal charges. He is scheduled to appear in federal court on September 22, 2025.

ABC10, owned by Tegna, confirmed the incident and stated that all employees are safe. The station is cooperating with law enforcement and has implemented additional security measures.