Sacramento ABC Affiliate Shooting: DA Alleges Political Motive Linked to Kimmel Suspension as Host Returns Today
Sacramento ABC Affiliate Shooting: DA Alleges Political Motive Linked to Kimmel Suspension as Host Returns Today
Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho announced Monday that the man accused of last week’s shooting at an ABC affiliate in Sacramento may have been partly motivated by the network’s recent suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. This revelation comes as Kimmel is set to return to the airwaves today, Tuesday, September 23.
Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, faces firearms and assault charges following the Friday shooting at the building housing KXTV, ABC’s Sacramento affiliate. While no injuries were reported, bullet holes were visible in a window.
District Attorney Ho stated that there is “circumstantial evidence” suggesting Hernandez Santana harbored a “political motive” behind the attack. “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,” Ho commented.
Kimmel’s temporary removal from “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last week followed intense pressure on ABC and parent company Disney over his remarks concerning the possible motive behind the slaying of conservative provocateur Charlie Kirk on September 10. Kimmel had suggested the alleged killer was attempting to distance himself from the “MAGA gang,” drawing criticism, including from FCC Chair Brendan Carr.
Hernandez Santana, a former lobbyist, was expected to be arraigned Monday on state charges, but the hearing was postponed. He instead appeared in federal court on separate charges related to possessing and firing a gun near a school and interfering with radio communications, where he was temporarily detained. A federal detention hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Authorities conducting a search of Hernandez Santana’s vehicle discovered writings expressing displeasure with President Donald Trump and other federal officials. A handwritten note reportedly stated: “For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondie. They’re next,” seemingly referring to Jeffrey Epstein, FBI Director Kash Patel, Deputy Director Dan Bongino, and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Mark Reichel, an attorney for Hernandez Santana, emphasized his client’s right to due process, stating, “He is innocent unless and until he is found otherwise.” Reichel also noted the uncommon nature of simultaneous state and federal charges for the same alleged conduct.
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