Authorities have identified the 18-year-old suspect accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at a Northern California library, a tragedy that has left a community mourning and searching for answers.
Law enforcement officials released a mug shot of Bradley Scott Sayer on Tuesday morning, one day after investigators say he entered the Butte County Library and opened fire. Sayer has been booked into the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder following the incident, which left two people dead and a child injured.
According to authorities, police received reports of an active shooter at the library shortly after 5 p.m. Monday. Officers rushed to the scene after receiving a frantic 911 call reportedly filled with screams and gunfire. The rapid response led to the suspect being taken into custody, and officials say the investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The FBI and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office are assisting the Chico Police Department as investigators work to piece together the events that led to the shooting.
Sayer had recently graduated from Chico High School. Video from the graduation ceremony reportedly showed the teenager appearing unhappy as he received his diploma, shaking his head while walking off the stage. Authorities have also indicated that the suspect allegedly had an obsession with the Columbine school massacre, a detail that is expected to receive further scrutiny as investigators examine possible motives.
Police said the suspect appears to have acted alone.
The shooting took place at the Butte County Library, a public facility known for regularly hosting programs and events for children and teenagers. In the aftermath of the violence, officials announced that all library branches would remain closed Tuesday.
The tragedy sent shockwaves throughout Chico and the surrounding region. Communities often view libraries as places of learning, safety, and opportunity, making violence in such a setting especially disturbing for residents.
During a news conference Monday night, Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge described the emotional toll the shooting had already taken on the city.
“The incident tonight was obviously very sad and very traumatic for a lot of people — very traumatic for our community,” Aldridge said.
A relative of Sayer spoke briefly with The California Post, saying he was shocked by the allegations. The family member identified Sayer as the shooter but declined to provide further details or be named publicly.
California officials also reacted to the deadly incident.
Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a statement expressing sympathy for those affected and gratitude toward law enforcement officers who responded to the scene.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Rep. James Gallagher, who represents Chico, said he was heartbroken by what occurred and offered prayers for the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by the violence.
Gallagher also thanked first responders for their quick actions, saying the community would stand together in the difficult days ahead.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are continuing interviews, collecting physical evidence, and reviewing all available facts related to the case.
As Chico, located roughly 90 miles north of Sacramento, grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, residents are left confronting another reminder of how acts of violence can shatter communities in an instant. While political debates often focus on conflicts far from home, tragedies like this underscore the devastating human cost when violence reaches places where families expect safety and peace.
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