NEW: Left-Wing Extremist Accused Of Shooting Up ABC Affiliate Was Initially Released On Bail

A Sacramento man accused of firing three shots aimed inside the lobby of a local ABC affiliate was initially released on bail despite the serious nature of the crime, which appears to have been politically motivated.

The shooting targeted the lobby of ABC 10 Sacramento just one day after protesters gathered outside the studio to protest ABC’s decision to indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s titular late night show after a number of broadcasting giants, including Nextstar and Sinclar, announced that they would no longer be airing the show. The move came in response to a monologue in which Kimmel blatantly lied about the assassin who killed Charlie Kirk by describing him as a “MAGA” supporter.

Anibal Hernandez-Santana, 64, of Sacramento, was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm, police said. Investigators were able to identify a vehicle, which ultimately led them to Hernandez-Santana’s residence.

Photos posted by ABC News show three bullet holes in the window of the building’s lobby. The station confirmed that a person was in the lobby at the time of the shooting, but was not injured. Police spokesperson Anthony Gamble said it is unclear how many shots were fired at the ABC 10 building, but “it does appear at least three rounds did strike the building.”

An X account that appears to belong to Hernandez-Santana is filled with left-wing and violent anti-Trump rhetoric. “Where is a good heart attack when we need it the most?? Please Join in my thoughts and prayers for the physical demise of our fearful leader,” he allegedly posted on September 18. “I started carrying a gun when trump was elected president, the FIRST time. Still do,” reads another post from the same day.

“The authoritarian oligarchy is now complete. CBS+ caving, big law firms in DC, the subservients FBI and AG, university presidents stepping down, fan boys SCOTUS, public radio, ICE goons. We are going to have to “fight like hell”. Rules don’t apply if election was stolen. FIGHT!” Hernandez-Santana allegedly wrote on July 18, 2025.

According to local outlet KCRA, Hernandez-Santana was released after he posted bail Saturday. The news prompted widespread outrage on social media, with many questioning how someone charged with such a serious, seemingly politically motivated crime could be released.

Within hours, Hernandez-Santana was re-arrested, this time by the FBI on on probable cause for violating federal statute 47 USC 333, which has to do with interference to radio communications of stations that are licensed by the government. Jail records indicate that he is currently ineligible for release.

Police confirmed that Hernandez-Santana was arrested at his Sacramento apartment on Friday after investigators were able to identify a vehicle linked to him. It is believed that the gunman fired the shots from the vehicle in question.

“We can confirm that shots were fired into our station at KXTV earlier today. 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,” a spokesperson for Tenga, which owns ABC 10, said in a statement Friday.

Hernandez Santana is set to appear in federal court in Sacramento on Monday at 2 p.m. local time, with a separate state court appearance Tuesday at 3 p.m., according to the FBI and county jail records reviewed by the New York Post.