Police in Sacramento say employees at local ABC affiliate ABC10 were forced into lockdown Friday afternoon after gunfire struck the station’s lobby while staff worked inside. The shooting occurred at about 1:30 p.m. when a car pulled up outside the building and multiple rounds were fired into the front windows. At least three bullets pierced the glass, but no injuries were reported.
Authorities quickly launched a citywide search and identified the suspect as 64-year-old Anibal Hernandez-Santana. He was later taken into custody in the River Park neighborhood. Officers recovered his vehicle and confirmed it matched surveillance footage from outside the station at the time of the attack. Hernandez-Santana now faces multiple felony counts, including assault with a deadly weapon, firing into an occupied structure, and negligent discharge of a firearm.
The motive for the attack is still under investigation, and police have not disclosed whether the news station or its employees were specifically targeted. The shooting nevertheless sparked concerns about safety for journalists and staff, many of whom were inside the building when the shots were fired.
ABC10’s parent company released a statement confirming all employees are safe and thanking law enforcement for their swift action. The company added that additional security measures are being implemented at the facility as the investigation continues.
The incident has raised new questions about the risks faced by news organizations across the country and the importance of ensuring protections for those who work in media.