Sometimes, the headlines we read leave us stunned and unsettled. That’s exactly how people in Sacramento felt after news broke that an ABC affiliate station became the target of gunfire in the middle of the day. Federal prosecutors now say the ABC station shooting suspect, 64-year-old Anibal Hernandez Santana, not only fired multiple shots into the building but also left behind chilling handwritten notes, including one with the words, “Do the Next Scary Thing.” This terrifying incident has raised fresh concerns about political motives, public safety, and attacks on the free press.
The ABC station shooting suspect and his actions
On September 19, prosecutors say Hernandez Santana stood on the sidewalk near ABC10’s station in Sacramento and fired a shot into the air in the station’s direction. From there, he allegedly drove to the station’s front entrance and fired three more shots into the building’s lobby. An employee was inside at the time, but miraculously, no one was injured.
The ABC station shooting suspect was quickly arrested by Sacramento police and initially charged with assault with a deadly weapon, negligent discharge of a firearm, and shooting into an occupied building. After posting bail, he was released. But federal prosecutors and the FBI rearrested him within hours, elevating the case to a far more serious level.
The disturbing note: “Do the Next Scary Thing”
Investigators uncovered deeply troubling details when they searched the ABC station shooting suspect’s home and vehicle. On his refrigerator, they found a weekly planner with the handwritten reminder, “Do the Next Scary Thing.” In his car, they discovered another note accusing public officials of ignoring warnings, even referencing Jeffrey Epstein, along with the names of FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi. Prosecutors say the note went further, suggesting that these figures were “next.”
These details painted a chilling picture of someone not only carrying out violence but also planning or contemplating further acts.
Why prosecutors believe it was politically motivated
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho has been clear: authorities believe politics played a role in the attack. In his announcement of new felony charges, including discharging a firearm into an inhabited building and assault with a semi-automatic firearm, Ho described the suspect as a “threat to public safety.”
Investigators also found what Ho described as an “anti-Trump book” in the suspect’s vehicle, fueling suspicions that his actions were driven by political anger. While prosecutors haven’t yet revealed why ABC10 specifically was targeted, the shooting took place just days after ABC faced backlash over suspending “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in response to controversy around the late-night host’s comments about Charlie Kirk’s death.
The timing of the ABC station shooting suspect’s attack
The shooting came at a moment when ABC was already under national scrutiny. On September 17, Nexstar Media announced it would stop airing “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” across its affiliate stations, while powerful voices, including FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, criticized ABC and Disney for allowing Kimmel’s remarks to air. Protests outside the Sacramento ABC station just one day before the attack highlighted how heated the climate had become.
By September 22, however, Disney announced that Kimmel’s suspension would end, describing “thoughtful conversations” with the host as the reason for his return. That same day, the ABC station shooting suspect appeared in federal court, facing charges that could carry up to six years in federal prison and a $260,000 fine. On the state level, the potential sentence is even harsher, up to 17 years.
The wider implications of the ABC station shooting suspect case
This case raises concerns that go far beyond one incident. District Attorney Ho summed it up when he said, “When someone brazenly fires into a news station full of people in the middle of the day, it is not only an attack on innocent employees but also an attack on the news media and our community’s sense of safety.”
Attacks on journalists and media outlets strike at the heart of free press protections, threatening the very foundations of democracy. When violence and intimidation are used as tools to silence voices, everyone in society loses.
At the same time, this case underscores how political tension and divisive rhetoric can fuel dangerous actions. Notes like “Do the Next Scary Thing” reflect a mindset that blends anger, conspiracy, and a willingness to act violently. For communities, the question now is how to prevent these tragedies before they happen.
Holding the ABC station shooting suspect accountable
Both federal and state prosecutors have vowed to pursue full accountability. Hernandez Santana is currently being held without bail, with authorities warning that his release would pose a danger to public safety. His charges carry decades of potential prison time, but for many, the punishment is only part of the story.
The deeper issue is how to address the climate that fosters such violence. From bitter political divisions to online echo chambers, there is a growing need for conversations about responsibility, respect, and the consequences of hate-filled actions.
Conclusion: The ABC station shooting suspect has left Sacramento and the nation shaken, not only by the bullets he fired but by the disturbing notes he left behind. His words, “Do the Next Scary Thing”, serve as a haunting reminder of how easily anger and conspiracy can transform into violence. While accountability through the justice system is essential, preventing future tragedies requires something bigger: a cultural shift away from division and toward respect, dialogue, and peace.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided by prosecutors, court documents, and official statements. The details reflect allegations that have not yet been proven in court. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The purpose of this article is to inform readers about the case and highlight broader issues of public safety, press freedom, and community well-being.
