Anibal Hernandez Santana, a 64-year-old former political lobbyist, was arrested. He is accused of shooting into the lobby of Sacramento TV station KXTV. This crash happened right next to a school, leading many to question the safety of the area near the school. Santana then shot three rounds through a window and one from across the street into or toward the station. As a result of these actions, he is now charged with possession and discharge of a firearm within a school zone as well as interference with a radio communication station.
Santana brings over 20 years of experience advocating on behalf of healthcare, tribal and labor interests. He left behind notes, some of which strongly suggest that his actions were politically motivated. Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said there is “circumstantial evidence” to show that Santana’s crime was politically motivated. The notes praised future household names such as then-FBI director Kash Patel, deputy director Dan Bongino, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Santana clicked menacingly that they were “next.”
In a handwritten note, Santana challenged readers to “Do the Next Scary Thing.” Even still, this statement only serves to compound the creepy nature of the act. Another note read, “For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondi. They’re next. – C.K. from above.” Though Santana denies being moved by political grievances, it seems to have colored his thinking. It’s not clear what specifically prompts him to act.
Police identified and arrested Santana within three hours of the shooting, and he is charged with several counts. The worsening turf has raised new alarms even just out in the field by community members and officials. In response to the incident, ABC’s parent company Disney released a statement. They explained that their choice to cancel Santana’s prior statements was based on the need for sensitivity following the shooting.
Mark Reichel, Santana’s attorney, emphasized his client’s presumption of innocence, stating, “He is innocent unless and until he is found otherwise.” That assertion simply mirrors the legal principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The shooting that took place near KXTV has reignited a national conversation about the growing politicization of violence. As investigators compile more camera footage and civilian testimony, the hope is to get a clearer picture of what led Santana to act as he did. He was due in court for a detention hearing on Thursday.