Two people were killed in the Chico library shooting on Monday, June 22, 2026, and police arrested an 18-year-old local suspect after he fled the building, authorities said.

Police responded shortly after 5:00 p.m. local time to the Chico branch of the Butte County Library. A 911 call had captured the sound of gunfire and people screaming inside the building.

Officers entered the library as the suspect escaped through the rear of the facility. Additional law enforcement personnel positioned behind the building apprehended him without further incident.

Chico Library Shooting Suspect Arrested

Authorities identified the suspect as Bradley Scott Sayer, 18, of Chico. He was booked into the Butte County Jail on suspicion of two counts of murder.

Investigators said Sayer appeared to have acted alone. Police had found no known relationship or connection between the suspect and either person killed.

The victims’ identities had not been released while authorities continued notifying their families.

Child Treated for Minor Injury

A child suffered a minor injury during the incident and was taken to a hospital for treatment, officials said. Authorities also established a family reunification center and temporarily closed nearby streets while emergency operations continued.

The shooting occurred in Chico, a Northern California city of about 100,000 residents located roughly 150 miles northeast of San Francisco.

Chico Homicide Investigation Continues

Officials had not announced a possible motive as the homicide investigation remained active.

The killings have shaken a community location used by families and residents. The motive, the victims’ identities and the circumstances leading to the attack remain the central unanswered questions in the investigation.