The suspect in a shooting at a California public library that killed two adults and injured a child wanted “a Columbine High School massacre-type of shooting,” police said.
The incident happened Monday afternoon in the Chico branch of the Butte County Library, in northern California. Police responded to multiple 9-11 calls about 5:12 p.m. local time, reporting “gunshots and screaming” from within the small library.
On Tuesday, the Chico Police Department identified the suspect as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, who was arrested on two open counts of murder at Butte County Jail.
The police department said in the news release that “Sayer’s motivation appears to be founded in a desire to commit a Columbine High School massacre-type of shooting.”
Investigators have determined that he acted alone.
“There is no indication Sayer had any prior relationship with or connection to any of the victims in the library at the time of the shooting,” the release said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Two unnamed adults were killed, police said, and one juvenile was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“The incident this evening was obviously very sad, traumatic for a lot of people. Very traumatic for our community,” Chief of Chico Police, Billy Aldridge, said at a news conference.
He said the library had been open at the time of the “active shooter incident,” which saw the suspect use a single firearm.
As officers entered the building, “the suspect fled out of the back of the library,” Aldridge said, and was taken into custody without incident or shots fired. He added that multiple agencies were now assisting police with the investigation and urged the public to come forward with any information.
In a post on Facebook, the country offered “deepest condolences to everyone affected, including the victims, their loved ones, library staff, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking incident.”
It said all Butte County library branches would be closed Tuesday.
“Our hearts are with the Chico community tonight,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom in a social media post.
“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.”
