Authorities say an 18-year-old suspect was taken into custody minutes after gunfire erupted inside a public library.
CHICO, Calif. — Two adults were killed and a juvenile was injured after a shooting inside the Chico branch of the Butte County Library on Monday evening, authorities said. Police arrested an 18-year-old Chico resident shortly after the attack and launched a multiagency investigation into the violence.
The shooting sent shockwaves through this Northern California city and prompted the closure of all county library branches the following day. Investigators are working to determine a motive while examining evidence collected from the scene. Local, county and federal authorities joined the investigation as officials sought to identify the victims, reconstruct the timeline and determine what led to the attack.
Emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls at 5:12 p.m. reporting gunshots and screaming inside the library. Officers arrived about six minutes later and entered the building through the front entrance. Police said the suspect moved out a rear exit as officers arrived, but additional law enforcement personnel had already established a perimeter behind the building. The suspect was taken into custody without a struggle. Authorities later identified him as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer of Chico. Police Chief Billy Aldridge described the event as “very sad” and “very traumatic for our community” during a late-night briefing. Investigators secured the library, evacuated patrons and staff, and established a family reunification center for people who had been inside during the shooting. Roads surrounding the library were temporarily closed as crime-scene teams documented evidence and interviewed witnesses.
Authorities said two adults died at the scene. Their names were withheld while relatives were notified. A juvenile suffered injuries that officials described as non-life-threatening and was transported to Enloe Hospital for treatment. Investigators said the suspect used a single firearm and that no exchange of gunfire occurred between officers and the shooter. Police believe the suspect acted alone. Officials also said there was no immediate indication that he had a prior relationship with the victims. Detectives spent the night collecting surveillance video, reviewing witness statements and tracing the suspect’s movements before the attack. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI joined the investigation, providing additional personnel and technical resources. Authorities have not publicly detailed what evidence was recovered inside the building or whether the suspect had communicated plans before the shooting. Questions about motive remained unresolved as investigators continued interviews and forensic examinations.
The attack unfolded in a community still familiar with the challenges of recovering from high-profile tragedies and natural disasters. Public libraries are often viewed as gathering places that serve families, students, job seekers and residents seeking internet access, educational programs and public services. The Chico branch of the Butte County Library regularly hosts community activities and children’s programs, making the violence particularly unsettling for local residents. Officials said the shooting occurred during normal operating hours, when patrons and employees were inside the building. The incident prompted an outpouring of grief from elected leaders and community organizations. Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed condolences to those affected and praised law enforcement officers for quickly securing the scene. Local officials echoed those sentiments while emphasizing support for victims’ families, library employees and witnesses. Community members gathered online and across the city to share messages of mourning as details of the shooting emerged.
Police booked Sayer into the Butte County Jail on suspicion of two counts of murder. Investigators said additional charges could depend on the outcome of the continuing inquiry and the condition of the injured juvenile. Detectives are expected to review digital evidence, conduct forensic testing and continue witness interviews in the coming days. Authorities have not announced a court appearance schedule or disclosed whether the suspect has retained legal representation. Officials said the investigation remains active and that information could change as evidence is analyzed. County leaders ordered all Butte County library branches closed Tuesday to allow staff time to process the tragedy and to support investigative efforts. Authorities also continued coordinating with victim advocates and mental health professionals as the community responded to the aftermath. Further public briefings are expected as investigators complete additional stages of the case.
Outside the library, emergency vehicles, crime-scene tape and investigators remained visible for hours after the shooting. Witnesses described confusion and fear as people attempted to leave the building and locate family members. Library patrons and employees were reunited with loved ones at a designated gathering location after officers secured the scene. Aldridge said the event had deeply affected first responders as well as residents. Public officials emphasized the professionalism of dispatchers, police officers, firefighters and medical personnel who responded within minutes of the first emergency calls. Messages from local leaders focused on the victims and the broader community rather than the suspect. Representative James Gallagher said he was heartbroken by the violence and offered prayers for those affected. County officials extended condolences to the victims’ families, library staff and everyone touched by the tragedy, describing the shooting as a heartbreaking event for the region.
The investigation remained active Tuesday as authorities worked to identify a motive and complete victim notifications. Officials said additional information could be released after further evidence review and scheduled briefings. County library branches are expected to reopen after the temporary closure, while detectives continue building the case.
Author note: Last updated June 23, 2026.