Chico Library Shooting Leaves Two Dead; Suspect Arrested in Columbine-Inspired Attack

An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a shooting at a Northern California library that left two people dead and one injured on Monday evening, authorities said. The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m.

at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library in Chico, California.

Police Chief Billy Aldridge confirmed that officers took the suspect, identified as Bradley Scott Sayer, into custody as he fled through the back of the library. Sayer is currently being held at the Butte County Jail on two counts of murder, according to the Chico Police Department.

According to law enforcement officials, Sayer was allegedly motivated by a desire to carry out a massacre similar to the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, in which two students killed 12 classmates and a teacher before taking their own lives. Investigators noted that Sayer was wearing clothing resembling that of Columbine shooter Eric Harris and is believed to be associated with an online fandom group of mass killers, which has been linked to previous shootings.

Officials believe he acted alone, driven by his obsession with the Columbine tragedy.

“The incident this evening was obviously very sad, traumatic for a lot of people,” Aldridge said during a news conference. “Very traumatic for our community.”

Police are withholding the names of the victims until their families have been notified. In addition to the two fatalities, a child was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, Aldridge added.

All branches of the Butte County Library will remain closed on Tuesday as the investigation continues.

The Chico Police Department is collaborating with the Butte County Sheriff's Office and the FBI in the ongoing investigation. Authorities have assured the public that there is no current danger, as the shooter is believed to have acted alone.