A man opened fire in the lobby of Sacramento’s ABC10 TV station last Friday. Thankfully, no one was injured. What investigators found about the suspect, however, is deeply concerning.
The man, Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, had left a calendar note at home that read: “Do the next scary thing,” dated the day of the shooting, September 19.
During a search of his car, authorities discovered an anti-Trump book and a handwritten note. According to Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, the note said: “For hiding Epstein and ignoring red flags” and mentioned FBI Director Kash Patel, former Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, saying they were “next.”
Hernandez Santana was first arrested on state charges of assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied building. He was released hours later on $200,000 bail. Many criticized the release, including acting U.S. attorney Bill Essayli, who posted: “Welcome to California, where someone can commit attempted murder and be back on the streets the same day.”
Welcome to California, where someone can commit attempted murder and be back on the streets the same day.
Federal law enforcement must be more active than ever in California to keep our communities safe. https://t.co/cLXF6Ao9w4
— Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) September 21, 2025
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The FBI rearrested him the following night. He now faces federal charges for firing a gun near a school and interfering with a federally licensed station.
Hernandez Santana’s attorney, Mark Reichel, said he will plead not guilty. Reichel also said: “I am certain the Trump administration and his DOJ dislikes his political posts on social media, and they will take any opportunity to take a state crime committed by someone who is considered ‘liberal’ and make it a federal offense to use it as political fodder for their never ceasing attempts to demonize those who disagree with the President’s policies.”
Reichel added: “It is remarkably uncommon for any individual to face simultaneous state and federal charges for the same alleged conduct. Mr. Hernandez Santana is entitled to due process — he is innocent unless and until he is found otherwise.”
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said investigators found the note on the suspect’s fridge. Ho added: “Evidence points to a politically motivated crime and it appears that he was also looking at other places, other people.”
The suspect first shot into the air in the direction of the TV station. He then drove to the front of the building and fired three shots into the lobby, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office.
ABC10 is an affiliate of ABC but not owned by the network. It is owned by Tegna and also has ties to CNN. The district attorney said his office will seek to hold Hernandez Santana with no bail.
Hernandez Santana had a career as a lobbyist in the California state Legislature and had just retired in the past few years, Reichel said.
Featured image via X screengrab
