Chico Library Shooting: 18-Year-Old Bradley Scott Sayer Arrested After Deadly Columbine-Inspired Attack; Two Dead, Child Injured
- Rex Ballard
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
A horrific act of violence unfolded Monday evening at the Butte County Library’s Chico branch on Sherman Avenue, leaving two adults dead and a juvenile injured in what police describe as an apparent attempt to carry out a “Columbine High School massacre type of shooting.”
The shooting began around 5:12 p.m. on June 22, 2026, when multiple 911 calls reported gunshots and screams inside the library. An open line allowed dispatchers to hear the chaos unfolding. Chico Police officers responded with remarkable speed—arriving in under two minutes—and quickly contained the threat.
As officers entered the front of the building, the suspect fled out the back exit, where a perimeter had already been established. He was taken into custody without incident and without any shots being fired by law enforcement. A single shotgun was recovered at the scene; additional firearms were later found in the suspect’s vehicle.
The Suspect
Police have identified the gunman as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, a Chico resident and recent Chico High School graduate. Investigators determined Sayer acted alone and had no prior relationship or connection to any of the victims.
According to Chico Police and FBI statements, Sayer’s motivation appears rooted in a desire to replicate a Columbine-style mass attack. He had reportedly conducted a walkthrough of the library beforehand and was wearing a shirt referencing “Natural Selection”—a phrase linked to one of the original Columbine perpetrators.
Sayer has been booked into the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder. The investigation continues with assistance from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, including evidence collection and interviews. Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge and other officials provided updates in press conferences on Tuesday.
The Victims
Authorities have identified the deceased as:
Robert Johnson, 74, of Orland — pronounced dead at the scene near the library entrance.
Jacob Hull, 46, of Chico — shot inside the library and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. Friends have described Hull as acting heroically to protect others during the attack.
A juvenile girl who was with Hull suffered minor injuries from broken glass. She was transported to Enloe Hospital and has since been released with non-life-threatening wounds.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families of Robert Johnson and Jacob Hull, and to the entire Chico community reeling from this senseless tragedy. A young life was cut short while another heroically tried to shield a child.
Swift Law Enforcement Response Praised
Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge highlighted the rapid response during Tuesday’s updates: the first 911 call came in at 5:12 p.m., officers arrived by 5:14 p.m., and the suspect was in custody by approximately 5:16 p.m. This quick action likely prevented further casualties.
No ongoing threat to the public exists. The library remains closed as investigators process the scene. Butte County library officials have since announced increased security measures across their branches.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Sayer’s father has publicly expressed shock, stating he saw “zero” warning signs and described his son as a high-functioning autistic honors student. The family had reportedly been planning a post-graduation trip.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing communities across Northern California—from Shasta County to Butte County—when it comes to public safety, mental health awareness, and rapid emergency response. Shasta Unfiltered will continue to monitor this story closely and provide updates as they become available.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Chico Police Department at (530) 897-4911.
Stay safe, North State. Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families, first responders, and all those affected in Chico. ShastaUnfiltered.com
