The man accused of opening fire on an ABC affiliate[1] in Sacramento last week might’ve been motivated in part by that network’s suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel[2], authorities said Monday.
There’s “circumstantial evidence” that 64-year-old Anibal Hernandez Santana had “a political motive behind” the Friday shooting, Sacramento County DA Thien Ho told NBC News.
“So there are some indication here that the motive behind the shooting of the ABC news station was political in kind,” the prosecutor said.
“We’re still looking at investigating the case, but he chose a very particular target, and with the notes that he left behind and the target in place and the recent dismissal of the Jimmy Kimmel show, I think there’s circumstantial evidence there to show that this was politically motivated crime by this individual.”
Hernandez Santana, a former lobbyist, was accused of firing into the building that houses KXTV, the Sacramento affiliate for ABC. Video and images from the scene show bullet holes in a window of the building. No one was injured.
The alleged gunman is also set to face federal charges for allegedly possessing and firing a gun near a school and interference with radio communications, court documents showed on Monday.
A search of the suspect’s car unearthed writings about his displeasure with President Donald Trump and other federal government officials, according to a federal criminal complaint.
A handwritten note specifically said, “For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondie. They’re next,” according to the complaint.
The writing appears to reference deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Trump has been dogged by his possible ties to[3] Epstein, with lawmakers on both sides[4] of aisle pressuring the White House to be more transparent with case files on the late, disgraced financier.
Disney’s ABC last week pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” off the air “indefinitely” after the host offered his opinion on the possible motive of the man charged in the Sept. 10 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk[5].
Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, suggested the FCC might “take action” against ABC over Kimmel’s remarks.
“The MAGA gang is desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Lindsay Good and Irene Byon contributed.
References
- ^ opening fire on an ABC affiliate (www.nbcnews.com)
- ^ suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel (www.nbcnews.com)
- ^ possible ties to (www.nbcnews.com)
- ^ lawmakers on both sides (www.nbcnews.com)
- ^ conservative activist Charlie Kirk (www.nbcnews.com)
- ^ David K. Li (www.nbcnews.com)