Deadly Library Shooting Suspect Desired Massacre
An 18-year-old suspect in a tragic incident at a Northern California library had aspirations for a Columbine-style event. This information comes as police investigate the shooting that took place on Monday afternoon.
According to the Chico Police Department, a 911 call was placed from the library at 5:12 p.m., indicating that gunshots and screams could be heard from within. The shooting happened at the Butte County Library, located about an hour and a half north of Sacramento.
A witness, Jeannie Lee Schroeder, shared her surprise upon seeing police presence at the library. She mentioned seeing a man in a white T-shirt running away as officers tackled him to the ground, expressing disbelief at the situation, saying, “Oh my God, they’ve got him.”
As police approached from the front, the suspect fled out the back. Officers quickly managed to apprehend him, with footage from bystanders capturing the intense moment. The Chico Police Department, in collaboration with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, is currently working on interviews and evidence gathering related to this case.
The suspect, identified as Bradley Scott Thayer from Chico, faces two counts of attempted murder and is being held at Butte County Jail. Reports indicate that two adults were injured during the shooting, while a juvenile was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities suspect that Thayer acted alone, and there is no evidence to suggest he had any prior connection to his victims present in the library at the time.
District Attorney Mike Ramsey noted that Thayer’s planned motive appears to be inspired by the infamous Columbine High School shooting. A YouTube video showed him graduating from Chico High School just this past June.
As the investigation continues, Thayer is scheduled for his first court appearance on Thursday in Oroville at 3 p.m. The police have urged anyone with information about the incident to reach out to the Chico Police Department Detective Bureau.
