Shooting suspect claims he is not violent amid federal charges
- Anibal Hernandez Santana was arrested for shooting at the ABC10 building in Sacramento, raising public safety concerns due to his prior visit to a nearby school.
- In his jailhouse interview, he insisted he is 'not a violent man' while facing federal charges.
- The incident coincided with controversies surrounding ABC's decision involving host Jimmy Kimmel, prompting an investigation into potential motives.
In Sacramento, California, Anibal Hernandez Santana was arrested following a shooting incident at the ABC10 news station where he fired three shots. The incident occurred on a Friday, with Hernandez Santana being apprehended later that night by local police. He initially faced state and federal charges that included interfering with a radio communication station and discharging a firearm within a school zone. Furthermore, authorities have raised concerns regarding his prior behavior, including an odd visit to a nearby elementary school just days before the shooting, during which he expressed a desire to read to children. Federal prosecutors noted that Hernandez Santana's behavior at the school was described as 'weird' and 'anxious,' leading staff members to report their concerns to the FBI after the ABC10 shooting. The visit was interpreted as potentially significant to the investigation. Some staff members at the school claimed Hernandez Santana seemed 'very out of character' during his visit, prompting fears regarding safety should he remain out of custody. These observations contributed to the prosecution's concern about whether his actions could point to premeditated behavior associated with a potential attack. In a later jailhouse interview, Hernandez Santana maintained that he is 'not a violent man.' He expressed uncertainty about his future amidst the legal proceedings. His attorney asserted that he deserves due process, emphasizing his presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The timing of the shooting also drew attention due to its occurrence a day after ABC Network's decision to sideline host Jimmy Kimmel, which was allegedly connected to controversial comments he made about political activist Charlie Kirk. While no one was injured in the ABC10 incident, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local authorities continue to delve into any possible links between these events, as the investigation remains ongoing. As the court proceedings unfold, there is heightened public interest and concern surrounding the case, particularly due to the combination of firearm use, a nearby school visit, and the surrounding circumstances leading to the shooting. Notably, investigators are examining whether Hernandez Santana's actions could indicate a deeper motive tied to recent media controversies. As Hernandez Santana faces charges, his case underscores ongoing dialogues regarding mental health, violence, and safety in public spaces.