On a quiet Friday afternoon in Sacramento, the routine hum of the city was abruptly shattered by gunfire. Shortly after 1:30 pm on September 19, 2025, at least three shots were fired from a passing vehicle into the lobby window of KXTV (ABC10), a prominent local ABC affiliate located on Broadway. The incident, which left visible bullet holes in the station’s glass facade, sent shockwaves through the newsroom and the broader Sacramento community, raising questions about the safety of journalists and the potential motives behind the attack.
According to the Sacramento Police Department, officers responded swiftly to reports of shots fired at the ABC10 building. As Officer Anthony Gamble explained to NBC News, “the lobby is on the other side of the window that was hit by gunfire.” He confirmed that the building was occupied at the time, with at least one person present in the lobby, though—remarkably—no injuries were reported. ABC10 later confirmed that a person was indeed in the lobby during the shooting but was unharmed.
The investigation moved quickly. Police were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle, which eventually led them to a residence in the 5400 block of Carlson Drive. There, on September 20, officers arrested Anibal Hernandezsantana, a 64-year-old Sacramento resident. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm. Sacramento Police emphasized that the motive for the shooting remains under investigation as of Saturday, leaving the community to speculate about what could have driven such a brazen act.
Authorities say the FBI provided resources to support the investigation, underscoring the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating the incident. In a statement, the Sacramento Police Department thanked the FBI for its assistance and encouraged any witnesses to come forward. “If you have information about this crime, please contact us at 916-808-5471,” the department urged, adding that callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.
The timing of the shooting has drawn particular attention. Just one day prior, a protest had taken place outside the ABC10 station in response to the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The show, a staple of late-night television, was temporarily pulled from the air after host Jimmy Kimmel made comments about political activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension sparked widespread protests not only in Sacramento but also outside Disney studios in Burbank and at the Hollywood location where “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” is taped. Demonstrators at the Sacramento protest brandished signs emblazoned with phrases like “First Amendment,” “Resist,” and “You’re Next,” reflecting deep frustrations over perceived threats to free speech and media independence.
While police have not yet linked the shooting directly to the protest or the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, the proximity of the two events has fueled speculation. Was this a targeted attack in response to recent events, or an unrelated act of violence? For now, authorities are keeping their cards close to the vest, reiterating that the motive is still being investigated.
ABC10’s parent company, Tegna, responded to the incident with a statement to ABC News, saying, “We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and have taken additional measures to ensure the continued safety of our employees.” The company’s swift action and public assurance come at a time when journalists and media outlets across the country are grappling with heightened security concerns.
Photos released by ABC News and other outlets showed three distinct bullet holes in the window of the building’s lobby—a stark visual reminder of the vulnerability faced by those working in media. The incident has reignited conversations about the risks journalists face, especially in an era marked by polarized discourse and increasing hostility toward the press.
The attack on ABC10 is not occurring in a vacuum. Across the United States, news organizations have reported a rise in threats and intimidation targeting journalists and media facilities. From bomb threats to online harassment and, in rare cases, physical attacks, the profession has become more dangerous in recent years. The shooting in Sacramento is a chilling illustration of these broader trends, though, thankfully, it did not result in any injuries.
For those working at ABC10, the aftermath of the shooting has been unsettling. While the station has not released detailed comments from staff, the sense of unease is palpable. Newsrooms are supposed to be sanctuaries of information and public service, not targets for violence. The fact that someone was present in the lobby at the time of the shooting only underscores how close this incident came to being a tragedy.
Law enforcement’s rapid response and the arrest of Hernandezsantana have provided some measure of relief. Still, the lack of a clear motive leaves many questions unanswered. Was this an isolated act by a disturbed individual, or the manifestation of a larger, more troubling trend? As the investigation continues, Sacramento residents and media professionals across the country are watching closely for answers.
The wider community has also rallied in support of ABC10 and its staff. Local leaders have condemned the violence, and many have called for renewed efforts to protect journalists and uphold the fundamental principles of free speech and open discourse. The incident has prompted some media outlets to review their own security protocols, a sobering reminder that the safety of journalists cannot be taken for granted.
While the Sacramento Police Department continues to seek information from the public, the story of the ABC10 shooting serves as a stark warning—and a call to action. In a time when the role of the media is both vital and increasingly contested, ensuring the safety of those who bring us the news is more important than ever.
For now, the ABC10 newsroom presses on, determined to fulfill its mission in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
