The tranquil setting of the Butte County Library in Chico, California, was shattered on the evening of June 22, 2026, when a deadly shooting left two men dead and a young girl injured. The horrific incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for enhanced security measures.

The shooter later identified as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer, a recent graduate of Chico High School, was taken into custody within minutes of the attack. The swift response from law enforcement is credited with preventing further loss of life.

The Unfolding Tragedy

According to law enforcement officials, Sayer conducted a walk-through of the library before retrieving a shotgun from his vehicle. He then opened fire, fatally shooting 46-year-old Jacob Hull, who went by the name Cody, at the main entrance. A second victim, 74-year-old Robert Johnson, was fatally shot inside the library.

The 7-year-old daughter of Hull’s girlfriend was also injured during the shooting, sustaining minor injuries from broken glass. She was subsequently treated and released from the hospital. The girl’s mother, who was with Hull at the time of the shooting, was unharmed but deeply traumatized by the event.

Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge praised the rapid response of his officers, noting that the suspect was apprehended in less than four minutes. Sayer fled out the back of the library as officers entered, but additional law enforcement personnel behind the building quickly took him into custody.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Hull and Johnson has left the Chico community reeling. Hull’s brother, Benjamin Heneberry, expressed his devastation, describing his brother as a quiet, low-key man who loved 1990s hip-hop and was a father figure to his girlfriend’s daughter. A fundraiser has been set up to support Hull’s girlfriend and her daughter in the wake of the tragedy.

Johnson, a 74-year-old resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. His sudden passing has left many in the community searching for answers and grappling with the senseless violence that took his life.

The Butte County Library system has announced that all branches will be closed on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as the community comes to terms with the tragedy. Library officials have also indicated that they will be adding security personnel at each location in the wake of the shooting.

The Investigation and Aftermath

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with the Chico Police Department collaborating with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Authorities have determined that Sayer acted alone and had no prior relationship with the victims.

Sayer was booked into the Butte County Jail on suspicion of two counts of murder. His family has retained an attorney, but no further details have been released. A search of Butte County court records did not show Sayer’s name, indicating that he had no prior criminal history.

Law enforcement officials have revealed that Sayer was wearing a white T-shirt inscribed with the words “natural selection,” mimicking a T-shirt worn by Eric Harris, one of the shooters in the 1999 Columbine massacre. Sayer had been a long-time fan of the Columbine shootings on social media, according to Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey.

The shooting has sparked a broader conversation about library safety and the need for enhanced security measures. Misty Wright, director of public libraries in Butte County, expressed her shock and sadness, stating that a library should be a place of joy and safety. The shooting has shattered that sense of security for many in the community.

As the investigation continues, the Chico community is coming together to support the victims’ families and grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for comprehensive solutions to address gun violence.