Crazy situation unfolding in California, where the FBI had to step in to protect journalists over the weekend. Why? An accused gunman, who supposedly targeted a news station, was let out on bail, and it looked like he might strike again.
Following a decision by a Sacramento court to allow him to post bail, federal agents swooped in and arrested him again before he had the chance to cause further harm.
The police have identified the suspect as 64-year-old Anibal Hernandez Santana. He’s facing some serious charges: assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent use of a firearm.
According to reports, he opened fire at the ABC affiliate KXTV, likely upset about Jimmy Kimmel’s temporary suspension for making false statements about Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Thankfully, although three bullet holes were found in the glass, no one inside the building was harmed.
Santana’s bail was set at $200,000, which he managed to pay and was released on Saturday. But his freedom didn’t last long!
Just hours later, the FBI was back on the case and arrested him again.
KCRA reported that he was re-detained on suspicion of violating federal law under 47 USC 333, which prohibits interference with radio communications.
This time, Santana was placed on a federal hold and now faces the possibility of jail time or hefty fines for any future infractions.
It’s a pretty obscure charge that most people wouldn’t know about, but it raises a big question: what actions should the federal government take to ensure public safety when local leaders seem hesitant?
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom’s team labeled Santana’s actions as an attack on “our democracy,” despite his release shortly before.
Santa’s attorney apparent believes the charge isn’t a big deal. He argued that the investigation kicked off because of some of his client’s social media posts critical of President Donald Trump.
Tempers are flaring on the left, and they’ve shown they can’t seem to keep their ground quite often since last summer.
But the highlight here is that the California justice system let someone walk who had reportedly shot at a newsroom over a result from a celebrity—only to see violent responses directed at those in an almost entirely liberal media landscape.
In a strange twist, California’s legal framework responded to reporters’ potential endangerment by releasing the guy who threatened them. But then, Trump’s FBI swiftly brought him back into custody.
Maybe it’s ironic, but the left-leaning media—usually critical of Trump—might actually be safer now because of actions taken during his administration.
