Library Shooting Arrest
Northern California Library Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, Suspect in Custody
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A gunman opened fire inside the Chico branch of the Butte County Library on Monday afternoon, killing two adults and injuring a child before fleeing out a rear exit. Police caught the suspect within minutes, and CBS News reported that Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge confirmed there is "no ongoing threat" to the public.
The shooting happened shortly after 5 p.m. on June 22, 2026, ABC10 reported. The entire sequence — from the first 911 call to the suspect's arrest — took approximately 11 minutes. The suspect's name has not been released pending formal charges.
Gunfire Erupts During Summer Library Programs
Dispatchers received the first 911 call at 5:14 p.m., with callers reporting an active shooter inside the library at Sherman Avenue and East Third Avenue, Newsday reported. Dispatchers could hear gunshots and screams over the open line. More than 20 law enforcement vehicles from the Chico Police Department and the Butte County Sheriff's Office rushed to the scene.
Officers entered the building at 5:22 p.m. and spotted the suspect fleeing through a rear exit. Units already positioned behind the building intercepted and arrested him at 5:25 p.m. — without firing a single additional shot. The library was packed at the time due to summer reading programs, according to ABC10.
Two Dead, One Child Hurt, Suspect in Custody
The two people killed were adults. A juvenile suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital, CBS News reported. The identities of the victims have been withheld pending notification of their families. Police set up a family reunification center near the library for those who had been inside the building.
The suspect is being held at the Butte County Jail. Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge called the event "sad and traumatic for our community," according to Newsday. He praised the rapid response by officers and said tactical positioning behind the building was key to the quick arrest.
Library Closes as Community Demands Safety Answers
The Chico library branch is closed indefinitely while investigators process the scene. Local residents expressed shock online, with many pointing out that the branch had no visible security despite being full of children during the summer program season. Library systems across California may now face pressure to add metal detectors or armed guards.
The American Library Association has long resisted armed security in libraries, citing an "open access" philosophy. That position may be harder to hold after Monday's attack. Local school districts and the library system are expected to offer grief counseling in the coming weeks, according to ABC10.
California Gun Laws in the Spotlight After Attack
The shooting reignites debate over gun safety in California. On January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 53 took effect, requiring all guns kept in homes to be stored in locked, state-approved containers. California also collects an 11% excise tax on all firearm and ammunition sales under AB 28, with the money going to school safety and violence prevention programs.
Gun control advocates are expected to point to this attack as support for Senate Bill 948, a pending law that would require a four-hour safety course for all new gun purchases, CalMatters reported. Gun rights groups have called SB 948 a "burdensome mandate." Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey is expected to lead the prosecution of the suspect.
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