An 18-year-old gunman who opened fire inside a public library in Northern California on Monday, leaving two people dead and one juvenile injured, deliberately wore clothing that replicated the infamous attire of one of the Columbine High School shooters. Bradley Scott Sayer, who had just graduated from Chico High School days earlier, entered the Butte County Library in Chico wearing a white T-shirt inscribed with the words “natural selection,” identical to the shirt worn by Eric Harris during the 1999 Colorado massacre. Authorities confirmed that Sayer had no known connection to the library or any of the victims, and that his actions appeared to be influenced by his long-standing fascination with mass shooting events.
The attack unfolded rapidly on Monday afternoon when Sayer allegedly conducted an initial walkthrough of the library building before returning to his vehicle to retrieve a shotgun. He then approached the main entrance of the Chico branch and fatally shot a man at the door before moving inside and killing another victim. Eight shots were fired in total during the rampage, which lasted only minutes before law enforcement arrived.
Police response prevented additional casualties in under four minutes
Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge emphasized the crucial role of rapid police response in preventing further loss of life. From the moment the first 911 call was received until Sayer was taken into custody, less than four minutes elapsed. Officers established a perimeter around the building immediately upon arrival. Sayer then exited the library and was apprehended without resistance. Chief Aldridge noted that gunshots and screams could be heard on one of the emergency calls, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The two victims who died were identified as 46-year-old Jacob Hull and 74-year-old Robert Johnson. Hull was shot in the leg and head near the entrance, while Johnson was shot in the head inside the building. An underage girl sustained injuries during the incident and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released details about the nature of her injuries or her current condition.
Suspect showed prolonged interest in Columbine and other mass shootings
Investigators discovered that Sayer had been a long-time follower of content related to the Columbine shooting on social media platforms. Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey stated that the suspect “had been a fan, and a fan for a long time” of the Columbine massacre. Sid Patel, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Sacramento office, confirmed that Sayer’s choice of clothing was a deliberate reference to Eric Harris, one of the two teenagers who killed 13 people at Columbine High School in April 1999. The “natural selection” slogan Harris wore has become a disturbing symbol among individuals who glorify mass violence.
Sayer had graduated from Chico High School on June 5, just days before the library attack. Authorities are working to determine what may have triggered the violence and whether Sayer left any manifesto or digital footprint explaining his motives. The investigation is examining his online activity, social media accounts, and any communications with others who share similar ideologies.
Additional firearms discovered in suspect’s vehicle during investigation
A search of Sayer’s vehicle, which was parked in the library lot, uncovered two additional firearms beyond the shotgun used in the attack. Investigators are now working to trace how Sayer acquired all three weapons, particularly given his age. Key questions include:
- Whether the firearms were legally purchased or obtained through other means.
- If any background checks were conducted prior to acquisition.
- Whether family members or associates were aware of his possession of multiple weapons.
- What role, if any, California’s firearm laws played in preventing or failing to prevent the attack.
The presence of additional weapons has raised concerns among investigators that Sayer may have planned a more extensive attack or intended to move to additional locations. The fact that he surrendered after exiting the library, rather than engaging police in a shootout, remains a subject of analysis.
Community grapples with violence as suspect awaits arraignment
Sayer is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, according to District Attorney Ramsey. He is expected to face multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and weapons-related offenses. The case has shaken the Chico community, a city of approximately 100,000 residents located in Butte County, about 90 miles north of Sacramento. Local residents have expressed shock that such violence occurred in a public library, traditionally considered a safe community space.
The incident adds to a troubling pattern of young individuals inspired by past mass shootings, particularly the Columbine massacre. Mental health professionals and law enforcement agencies have long warned about the dangers of online communities that glorify such violence and create what some experts call “copycat” scenarios. The FBI and other federal agencies monitor online spaces where such content circulates, but the challenge of identifying individuals who may act on violent impulses remains significant. Authorities continue to investigate whether Sayer had contact with others who share similar interests or if he acted entirely alone in planning and executing the attack.
