Authorities have identified the suspect accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at a Northern California library, where two people were killed, and a child was injured, before the alleged gunman was taken into custody, as reported [1] by The New York Post.
Law enforcement officials identified the suspect as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, who was booked into the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder following Monday evening’s shooting at the Butte County Library in Chico.
According to investigators, police responded to reports of an active shooter at the library shortly after 5 p.m. Witnesses called 911 as gunfire erupted inside the building, prompting officers to rush to the scene.
Library shooting suspect apparently wanted Columbine-type massacre, police say. https://t.co/HjgDy1qq0r [2]
— CBS News (@CBSNews) June 23, 2026 [3]
Authorities said Sayer allegedly attempted to flee through the rear of the library after the shooting, but officers had already established a perimeter around the area and took him into custody.
The FBI is assisting the Chico Police Department and the Butte County Sheriff’s Office with the ongoing investigation.
Officials said the suspect appears to have acted alone.
Police also released a booking photograph of Sayer the morning after the shooting. Reports indicated that he had recently graduated from Chico High School.
A video recorded during the graduation ceremony circulated online after the attack, showing Sayer receiving his diploma before leaving the stage.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding a possible motive. Reports have alleged that Sayer had been obsessed with the Columbine High School massacre, but investigators have not publicly detailed evidence related to that claim as the investigation continues.
The Butte County Library, where the shooting occurred, regularly hosts programs and activities for children and teenagers.
Following the incident, officials announced that all library branches would remain closed on Tuesday while investigators processed the crime scene.
Chief Billy Aldridge of the Chico Police Department addressed the shooting during a Monday evening news conference.
“The incident tonight was obviously very sad and very traumatic for a lot of people — very traumatic for our community,” Aldridge said.
Authorities said detectives are continuing to examine evidence and interview witnesses as they work to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
A relative of Sayer told The California Post that he was “shocked” by the incident but declined to provide additional details. The relative identified Sayer as the alleged shooter.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom also released a statement following the attack.
“Our hearts are with the Chico community tonight,” Newsom said.
“We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift actions to secure the scene and take the suspect into custody. No family should have to endure a tragedy like this.”
Rep. James Gallagher, R-Calif., whose district includes Chico, said he was praying for those affected.
“I am heartbroken by the senseless act of violence in Chico tonight and am praying for the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
“Thank you to the brave law enforcement officers and other first responders who responded quickly to protect our community. Chico is strong, and we will stand together in the days ahead,” Gallagher said.
Investigators said they are continuing to gather evidence as the case moves forward.
Police said they are “conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and reviewing facts of the case.”
🚨 TRAGEDY IN CALIFORNIA: 18-year-old opens fire inside a Northern California library, killing 2 adults and injuring a child.
Cops say he was obsessed with Columbine-style mass shootings and deep into that toxic social media community.
Another young man lost to darkness, evil,… pic.twitter.com/u5lQ2hTmem [4]
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) June 24, 2026 [5]
Chico is located approximately 90 miles north of Sacramento. Authorities have not announced when additional information about the investigation or possible motive may be released.