Federal prosecutors filed new charges Monday against the man accused of shooting into ABC10’s Sacramento office. Court documents reveal investigators also found a note in his car that referenced Trump administration officials and the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
What new charges does the suspect face?
Anibal Hernandez Santana now faces three federal counts according to the amended federal complaint: possession of a firearm in a school zone, discharge of a firearm in a school zone, and interference with a radio communication station. The amended complaint says the shooting disrupted ABC10’s operations, forcing employees to shelter in place and leading to the cancellation of a news conference.
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Each firearms charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, while the communications charge carries up to one year.
What do court records say about the shooting?
The complaint alleges Hernandez Santana fired once into the air on Sept. 19 before shooting three times into ABC10’s lobby. Surveillance video showed a man wearing a gray T-shirt, dark pants and a satchel. A 9mm casing and projectile were recovered at the scene.
When police searched Hernandez Santana’s apartment, they found a satchel with a 9mm handgun matching the ammunition found at the station. A test also indicated gunshot residue on his hands, according to investigators.
A whiteboard in his apartment reportedly included a note under “Friday” reading, “Do the Next Scary Thing.”
What was discovered after his release on bail?
Hernandez Santana was initially arrested on state charges and released on $200,000 bail Sept. 20. Later that day, officers searched his vehicle and found a handwritten note stating: “For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondi. They’re next. – C.K. from above.”
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said he believes “C.K.” refers to Kirk, who was killed earlier this month. Ho also said investigators found a book titled “The Cult of Trump” in the car.
What are the state charges and next steps?
Prosecutors also filed state charges of assault with a firearm and shooting at an “inhabited dwelling.” If convicted, Hernandez Santana could face up to 17 years in state prison.
Ho said his office will seek no bail, calling the shooting “politically motivated” and “an attack on the news media.”
Defense attorney Mark Reichel said it is “remarkably uncommon” for someone to face state and federal charges at the same time and emphasized Hernandez Santana’s right to due process.
Hernandez Santana was expected in court Monday, but his state arraignment was delayed while he appeared before a federal judge.
Reichel described Hernandez Santana as an Army veteran who later built a career as a lawyer and lobbyist in Sacramento, before retiring last year.
