Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has voiced his concern over the alarming violence in Chicago. Over the recent weekend, eight people lost their lives and dozens more were shot in an outbreak of violence. Blanche has criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for reportedly declining federal assistance. He draws a contrast between Chicago’s struggles and efforts in Washington, D.C. and Memphis, where local and federal cooperation has shown results in crime reduction.
In other news, a tragic event occurred in Northern California, where a gunman opened fire inside a library in Chico. The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer, allegedly took inspiration from the 1999 Columbine High School shooting. According to the Chico Police Department, Sayer had no known ties to the library or the victims. Before the attack, Sayer reportedly surveyed the library, retrieved a shotgun from his vehicle, and returned to open fire. He killed two individuals: 46-year-old Jacob Hull at the library entrance and 74-year-old Robert Johnson inside. An underage girl was also injured in the shooting.
Responding to multiple 911 calls, law enforcement quickly arrived on the scene. Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge noted the efficiency of the response, stating that officers set up a perimeter and captured Sayer in less than four minutes. This rapid action likely prevented further casualties. During the investigation, two additional firearms were found in Sayer’s vehicle. Authorities continue to explore how he obtained these weapons.
Sayer allegedly wore a t-shirt with the words “natural selection,” mirroring apparel worn by one of the Columbine shooters, Eric Harris, in 1999. Sayer, a recent graduate of Chico High School, is known to have expressed admiration for the Columbine attack on social media. His court arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.