Two Dead, Several More Injured in Chico Library Shooting; Suspect Arrested
CHICO, CA — “On June 22, 2026 at 5:12pm, the Chico Police and Fire Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting gunshots and screaming heard from within the Butte County Library in Chico. Officers arrived at the library at 5:14pm and made entry into the building shortly thereafter. As Officers approached the front doors, the suspect exited from the east side of the building, where a perimeter had already been established, and was taken into custody without incident.
Three patrons of the library were injured during the shooting. 74-year-old Robert Johnson was pronounced deceased at scene. 46-year-old Jacob Hull was transported to Enloe Hospital where he later succumbed to injuries. A female juvenile was transported to Enloe with non-life-threatening injuries. She was treated and reunited with family.
The suspect, 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer, had no known connection to the library or any of the victims. Based on information revealed during their interviews with the suspect, Detectives believe he was influenced by Columbine High School shooting-type mass casualty events. Sayer fired approximately 8 total rounds from a shotgun during the course of the incident. One victim was struck directly outside of the library entrance, and the others inside the building.
A search of the suspect’s vehicle, located in the library parking lot, uncovered two additional firearms. The source of the firearms in Sayer’s possession is still being determined. Detectives have concluded this was an isolated event where the suspect acted alone. Currently, investigators from the Chico Police Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are analyzing digital, physical, and material evidence collected from the library, suspect vehicle, and two residences connected to the suspect.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the Chico Police Detective Bureau at (530) 897-5820.”
