The suspect linked to last week’s shooting at an ABC affiliate in Sacramento may have been partly driven by the network’s suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, according to authorities.
Sacramento County DA Thien Ho mentioned on Monday that there’s “circumstantial evidence” suggesting that 64-year-old Anibal Hernandez Santana had a “political motive behind” the Friday incident, telling NBC News.
“So there are some indication here that the motive behind the shooting of the ABC news station was political in kind,” the prosecutor said.
“We’re still investigating the case,” Ho commented. “But given the specific nature of the target, the notes he left, and the recent suspension of the Jimmy Kimmel show, there’s circumstantial evidence of a politically motivated crime by this individual.”
Hernandez Santana, who used to be a lobbyist, was charged with firing shots at the building that houses KXTV, the local ABC affiliate. Footage from the site displays bullet holes in the windows. Fortunately, no injuries occurred.
A search of Hernandez Santana’s residence discovered writings expressing his dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump, FBI Director Kash Patel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the DA explained.
Last week, ABC put “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on hold “indefinitely” following Kimmel’s comments regarding the suspected motive of the accused in the September 10 shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Brendan Carr, FCC Chair and Trump appointee, implied that the FCC might “consider action” against ABC due to Kimmel’s statements.
“The MAGA gang is desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it,” Kimmel said.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
