CHICO, Calif. — Authorities have identified the two men killed in Monday’s shooting at the Butte County Library in Chico as Robert Johnson, 74, of Orland, and Jacob Hull, 46, of Chico. Officials also released additional details about the rapid police response, the circumstances of the attack, and the ongoing investigation.
During a Tuesday press conference, Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge provided a detailed timeline of the incident and commended the swift actions of responding officers, noting that their quick response helped prevent further loss of life.
According to investigators, both Johnson and Hull were fatally shot inside the library during the attack. A young girl who was with Hull at the time was also injured by shattered glass. She was transported for medical treatment and has since been released from the hospital.
Authorities said one victim was shot near the entrance of the library, while the second was struck elsewhere inside the building as the situation unfolded.
Chief Aldridge stated that the first emergency call came in at approximately 5:12 p.m., with dispatchers reportedly hearing screams and gunfire in the background as the situation was actively unfolding.
Police officers arrived at the library within minutes, reaching the scene by approximately 5:14 p.m. As officers entered through the front doors, the suspect exited through the rear of the building, where law enforcement units had already begun establishing a perimeter.
The alleged gunman was taken into custody at approximately 5:16 p.m., just minutes after the initial emergency call was received.
Officials described the response as exceptionally rapid and credited coordination between responding units for preventing additional casualties inside the library.
Authorities identified the suspect as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer of Chico. He has been booked into the Butte County Jail and is expected to face two counts of first-degree murder, with additional charges under review.
Investigators believe the suspect acted alone, and at this time there is no evidence suggesting he knew the victims.
Officials also said evidence gathered during the investigation indicates the attack may have been influenced by the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.
According to the FBI Sacramento Field Office, the suspect recently graduated from Chico High School and split his time between his parents’ residences. Investigators also believe he conducted a walkthrough of the library prior to the attack before retrieving a shotgun from his vehicle.
At the time of his arrest, he was reportedly wearing a white shirt with the phrase “natural selection” written on it, a reference associated with prior school shooting ideology. The shotgun used in the attack was recovered inside the library, and two additional firearms were located in the suspect’s vehicle.
Officials said a total of eight rounds were fired during the incident. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage, witness statements, and digital evidence to determine the full sequence of events.
Authorities confirmed there was no dedicated security presence at the library at the time of the shooting. In response, county officials announced plans to increase security across all Butte County library locations.
The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement and prosecutors continue to examine the suspect’s actions, planning, and possible motives leading up to the deadly attack.
