SHOTS FIRED: Former Health Policy Analyst Anibal Hernandez-Santana Arrested After Shooting Into ABC10 Sacramento Building
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento Police Department has arrested Anibal Hernandez-Santana, 64, in connection with a shocking shooting at the ABC10 News station in Sacramento on Friday afternoon, an incident that has left both law enforcement and media professionals deeply concerned about escalating threats to journalists and news outlets.
According to police, three rounds were fired at approximately 1:30 p.m. into a window of the station’s headquarters at 400 Broadway. The building, which was occupied at the time, was immediately placed on lockdown. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident sent shockwaves through the newsroom and the local journalism community.
Hernandez-Santana, a former health policy analyst and Sacramento resident, was taken into custody later in the day following a swift investigation and coordinated response by Sacramento police, SWAT teams, and FBI resources. He now faces several felony charges, including:
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Assault with a deadly weapon
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Negligent discharge of a firearm
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Shooting into an occupied building
He is currently being held in the Sacramento County Main Jail on $200,000 bail, with a court appearance scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, according to jail records. Timeline of the Incident
At 1:30 p.m. on Friday, ABC10 staff members reported hearing loud pops and discovering that glass had been shattered on one of the front-facing windows of the station. Staff members immediately contacted authorities, and officers arrived within minutes to secure the scene and begin the investigation.
Using surveillance footage and witness accounts, officers were able to identify a suspect vehicle, which led them to a residence in the 5400 block of Carlson Drive, located in the River Park neighborhood east of downtown Sacramento. The residence was soon surrounded by law enforcement, and Hernandez-Santana was taken into custody without incident.
Potential Motive: Still Under Investigation
While the motive remains officially undetermined, social media activity linked to Hernandez-Santana may offer clues. An X (formerly Twitter) account believed to belong to the suspect contains a steady stream of anti-Trump commentary and political opinions, though no direct threats against media outlets or individuals had been previously flagged.
The shooting occurred just one day after a protest outside ABC10 related to Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension — a controversy that has sparked national discourse about media bias and accountability. It is unclear if the two events are connected, and Sacramento police have not confirmed any political or ideological motive at this time.
“The motive remains under investigation, and we would like to thank the FBI for providing resources in support of this investigation,” a Sacramento Police Department spokesperson said in a statement released early Saturday.
Background on the Suspect
Anibal Hernandez-Santana previously worked as a health policy analyst for the California Rural Indian Health Board, a nonprofit focused on improving healthcare access for Native American communities. In 2019, he filed a lawsuit against the organization, claiming discrimination and retaliation after being denied time off to care for his disabled son.
According to court documents, he was terminated in 2018 after a verbal confrontation with supervisors. The situation escalated to the point where police were called. The suit, which outlined grievances related to his work on Affordable Care Act implementation and state policy tracking, was withdrawn in 2020.
Community and Media Response
The shooting has alarmed local journalists and free press advocates. ABC10 has yet to issue a detailed statement but confirmed that all employees were safe and that additional security protocols are now in place.
Media groups, including the California News Publishers Association and the Society of Professional Journalists, have condemned the incident, calling it a direct attack on freedom of the press and a reminder of the growing risks journalists face — even in local communities.
“We are thankful that no one was physically harmed in this terrifying act,” said a spokesperson from ABC10. “We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and support our team through this difficult time.”
Legal and Safety Implications
This incident raises new concerns about the safety of media personnel amid rising tensions in the national discourse around journalism, politics, and public trust. Law enforcement officials say the investigation remains active, and they are exploring all possible motivations, including ideological extremism, mental health issues, or personal grievances.
Hernandez-Santana is expected to face additional federal scrutiny, given the involvement of the FBI and the nature of the crime — a potential act of violence targeting a news organization.
What Happens Next
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Hernandez-Santana will appear in court Tuesday afternoon for arraignment.
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The Sacramento Police Department is continuing its investigation and has not ruled out additional charges.
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ABC10 has reportedly increased its on-site security presence and will be reviewing its emergency response protocols.
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Media watchdog groups are calling for stronger protections for journalists and media infrastructure.
This is a developing story, and more details will be published as they become available. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed suspicious activity near the ABC10 studios on Friday to contact the Sacramento Police Department or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.
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