On a quiet Friday afternoon in Sacramento, California, the city’s local ABC affiliate, KXTV ABC10, became the scene of a startling drive-by shooting that sent shockwaves through the media community and reignited concerns about violence against journalists. The incident, which unfolded on September 19, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., saw at least three bullets shatter the lobby window of the ABC10 building on Broadway, while employees worked inside. Miraculously, no one was injured, but the event has left lingering questions about motive, media safety, and the broader political climate enveloping local newsrooms.
According to Sacramento police, the gunfire erupted suddenly, with bullets piercing the glass and causing chaos inside the station. "People were inside the building, but nobody was hurt," police confirmed, as reported by ABC’s KGO-TV and echoed by CNN. The attack was described as a drive-by, with the shooter fleeing the scene immediately after the shots were fired.
Within hours, investigators had identified a suspect vehicle, which led them to a residence in Sacramento’s River Park neighborhood. Early Saturday morning, police arrested 64-year-old Anibal Hernandez Santana, a Sacramento resident. He was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on three felony charges: assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm. Jail records show his bail was set at $200,000, and he was released after posting bail later that same afternoon. Santana’s arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in Sacramento Superior Court, according to the Sacramento Bee and NPR.
Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting, and officials are investigating whether the station had received any recent threats. Sacramento Police spokesperson Anthony Gamble emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, "It should never be accepted that somebody is going to drive by any type of business, let alone a media partner, and shoot at the building." Gamble also thanked the FBI for assisting in the ongoing investigation, which includes reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing employees, and searching for digital evidence.
This frightening episode came just one day after a protest outside the ABC10 station. On Thursday, September 18, about 15 people gathered to demonstrate against ABC’s decision to suspend "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" indefinitely. The suspension followed remarks Kimmel made about the slaying of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which sparked a firestorm of political controversy. According to USA Today and the Sacramento Bee, ABC’s move drew criticism from both conservatives—who accused Kimmel of misrepresenting Kirk’s politics—and liberals, who called the suspension an act of censorship and a threat to free speech.
The day of the shooting, however, there were no protests taking place outside the station, as confirmed by CNN affiliate KCRA. Still, the proximity of the protest to the attack has raised questions, though police have not established any direct connection between the two events. As of the latest updates, the motive remains under investigation, and law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information to contact the Sacramento Police Department or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers.
In the aftermath, TEGNA—the parent company of KXTV ABC10—moved swiftly to reassure employees and the public. Spokesperson Molly McMahon told CNN, "While details are still limited, importantly, all of our employees are safe and unharmed. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and have taken additional measures to ensure the continued safety of our employees." TEGNA also increased security at ABC10, underscoring the seriousness with which they view threats to newsroom safety.
The incident has drawn condemnation from journalists’ organizations and public officials alike. The Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists called the shooting "heartbreaking and unacceptable," adding, "As fellow journalists, the members of the Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists want to be clear: violence against members of the media is violence against our entire community." Their statement, shared on social media, urged the public to support and protect journalists who serve the community daily.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the shooting and issued a strong statement on X (formerly Twitter) the day after the attack: "While no injuries have been reported, any act of violence toward journalists is an attack on our democracy itself and must be condemned in the strongest terms. We stand with reporters and staff who work every day to keep communities informed and safe!" The governor’s words echoed a broader national concern about the safety of journalists and the impact of violence on a free press.
The shooting at ABC10 is occurring against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the American media landscape. The controversy over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension illustrates how quickly political disputes can spill over into real-world confrontations. The FCC, led by Chair Brendan Carr—an appointee of former President Donald Trump—was drawn into the fray, with Carr stating on a podcast, "Frankly, when you see stuff like this — I mean, we can do this the easy way or the hard way," in reference to ABC’s handling of Kimmel’s remarks. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders in Congress condemned ABC’s decision to suspend the show, accusing the FCC chair of "corrupt abuse of power."
Amidst the turmoil, the ownership of KXTV is also in flux. TEGNA, which owns dozens of local news stations across the country, is in the process of being acquired by Nexstar Media Group. The deal, which would require FCC approval, comes at a time when the role and independence of local newsrooms are under intense scrutiny from both the public and policymakers.
As the investigation into the drive-by shooting continues, the Sacramento community—and indeed, the nation—are left grappling with the implications. How safe are our journalists? What does it mean for democracy when newsrooms become targets? And how can communities come together to support those who risk their safety to keep the public informed?
For now, the staff at KXTV ABC10 are back at work, their resolve unshaken. As the TEGNA spokesperson put it, "Our priority is to ensure our employees' safety and well-being as they continue to carry out our mission to serve our community with critical local news and information." The story of Friday’s shooting is not just about a single act of violence—it is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the free press and the vital importance of standing together in defense of journalists everywhere.
