Man Arrested After Gunfire at ABC Office Linked to Anti-Trump Notes

A man was arrested on September 19, 2023, after allegedly firing a gun into the lobby of the ABC affiliate office in Sacramento, California. According to prosecutors, the suspect, Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, had notes in his vehicle that criticized former President Donald Trump and a calendar reminder at home instructing him to “do the next scary thing.”

No one was injured in the incident, which occurred at ABC10, located near downtown Sacramento. Following the shooting, Hernandez Santana was taken into custody on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied building. He was released later that day on $200,000 bail.

However, Hernandez Santana was rearrested by the FBI the next evening. He is now facing federal charges related to interference with federally licensed stations. His defense attorney, Mark Reichel, indicated that Hernandez Santana plans to plead not guilty on both state and federal charges during arraignments scheduled for the following days.

Investigations Reveal Political Motives

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho stated that investigators discovered a note on Hernandez Santana’s refrigerator dated September 19, which read, “Do the next scary thing.” A search of his car also uncovered an anti-Trump book. Additionally, authorities found a handwritten note that included references to prominent figures such as FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, suggesting that Hernandez Santana had broader intentions.

Ho remarked that the evidence points to a politically motivated crime, stating, “It appears that he was also looking at other places, other people.” However, details about why Hernandez Santana specifically targeted ABC10, which is owned by Tegna and not directly by ABC, remain unclear. There has been speculation that the incident may connect to ABC’s suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel due to comments made about a public figure.

The district attorney’s office intends to request that Hernandez Santana be held without bail during his forthcoming hearings.

Reactions and Implications

Acting U.S. Attorney for Southern California, Bill Essayli, criticized the quick release of Hernandez Santana on bail, sharing his concerns on social media. He remarked, “Welcome to California, where someone can commit attempted murder and be back on the streets the same day.”

Reichel defended his client, asserting that the federal government may exploit this case to serve political agendas. He expressed skepticism regarding the motivations behind the federal charges, suggesting that Hernandez Santana’s history as a lobbyist and his previous retirement may play a role in the prosecution’s approach.

The case raises significant questions about political expression and the boundaries of legal accountability. As the situation unfolds, both local and federal authorities continue to assess the implications of Hernandez Santana’s actions and their potential motivations.