Accused ABC10 shooter to appear in court for his federal charges, attorney expects not guilty plea
The man accused of shooting into the lobby of the ABC10 news station in Sacramento is set to appear in federal court Monday. Prosecutors accused Anibal Hernandez Santana of firing three shots into the lobby of ABC10 while also firing another shot in the air in a nearby parking lot on Sept. 19. No one was harmed in either instance. Hernandez Santana is charged with knowingly possessing and discharging a firearm within a school zone and interference with a radio communication station. He posted bail the morning after the shooting for his state charges, but federal officials took him into custody after prosecutors argued that he is a flight risk and still had a gun.The shooting happened two days after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was abruptly — but temporarily — pulled off the air over comments he made related to the late activist Charlie Kirk.A small protest took place outside the ABC10 station after Kimmel's suspension, but no protest was underway at the time of the shooting.After Hernandez Santana's arrest, court documents revealed that officers with the Sacramento Police Department found a note that read, “For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondie. They’re next. – C.K. from above.”Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho told KCRA 3 in previous reporting that he believes the shooting was politically motivated, explaining that he thinks the "C.K. from above" refers to Kirk. Ho also stated that part of the motivation was "to attack a free press, a free media."Attorney Mark Reichel, Hernandez Santana's defense attorney, also previously told KCRA 3 that he has not seen any evidence linking his client to the crime, but he believes investigators are scrutinizing Hernandez Santana's social media, which includes many posts critical of President Donald Trump and members of his administration, and some that referenced Kirk's killing.Hernandez Santana himself is a lawyer and retired lobbyist.For his federal charges, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine related to possessing and firing a gun in a school zone, if convicted. The interference with a radio communications station charge carries a maximum of one year imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.Hernandez Santana also faces state charges related to discharging a firearm into an inhabited building and assault with a semi-automatic firearm, along with personal use of a firearm allegation. If convicted of those charges, he would face a maximum sentence of 17 years in state prison.Court officials on Monday told KCRA 3's Michelle Bandur that there will be no bail hearing Monday.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
