Authorities claim that a man in California fired shots at an ABC affiliate TV station, with a note found in his car suggesting that FBI Director Kash Patel and other Trump administration officials are “next.”
Anibal Hernandez Santana, 63, allegedly targeted the ABC 10 building in Sacramento, California, on Friday, September 19. While no one was injured, federal officials reported that employees had to take cover and temporarily halt operations inside the building.
Here is what we know about Santana, the man accused of shooting into the building with a handgun.
Bullet holes struck through a window at ABC 10. (Credit: KTXL)
What was found inside Santana’s car
Following Santana’s release from jail on Saturday, law enforcement officials conducted a search on his white Nissan Kicks. Inside the car, detectives discovered a handwritten note mentioning Jeffrey Epstein and warning that certain Trump administration officials are “next.”
“For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondi. They’re next. – C.K. from above,” read the note, as stated in the complaint.
His social media
Mark Reichel, Santana’s attorney, said he believes his client’s left-wing social media played a role in the filing of federal charges.
“Without a doubt, they are investigating if this constitutes political violence. I am sure of it; there is no question,” Reichel told KCRA. “Based on his social media, they will likely determine he has liberal and left-wing views. Could they ignore that? I doubt it.”
Reichel said Santana was “very” critical of the Trump administration.
“It is without debate. Authorities will assess his social media, noting his significant criticism of the administration and of Trump,” Reichel added.
Authorities said there were no injuries reported at the California news station. (Credit: KTXL)
What his attorney has said
Reichel told Fox News Digital the circumstances surrounding the case are “highly unusual.”
“It is remarkably uncommon for any individual to face simultaneous state and federal charges for the same alleged conduct,” Reichel said.
“Given the highly unusual circumstances here, we understand the news media and the public have many questions, as do we. At this time, we have not had an opportunity to review the evidence in the case, so our ability to provide those answers is non-existent. Mr. Hernandez Santana is entitled to due process — he is innocent unless and until he is found otherwise.”
Reichel provided the following statement to Fox News Digital after Thursday’s court hearing:
“Right now, my client is innocent unless and until 12 people inside each courthouse, in each
case, find that he is no longer innocent. America is a nation that is held together by the rule of
law, and there are two sides to every story,” he said.
