A 64-year-old Sacramento man’s drive-by shooting at ABC affiliate KXTV has exposed the growing vulnerability of mainstream media outlets to targeted violence, raising serious concerns about press safety and potential federal crimes.

Story Highlights

• FBI re-arrested suspect on federal charges after local bail release following ABC10 station shooting
• Three bullets fired into occupied building during business hours, miraculously causing no injuries
• Swift law enforcement response demonstrates serious threat to press freedom and public safety
• Incident highlights broader national concerns about violence targeting media organizations

Federal Intervention Signals Serious Charges

The FBI’s swift re-arrest of the Sacramento shooting suspect after his local bail release indicates this case extends far beyond typical criminal mischief. Federal authorities took custody of the 64-year-old man on undisclosed federal charges, suggesting possible violations of laws protecting media organizations or interstate commerce. This escalation demonstrates the seriousness with which federal law enforcement views attacks on press institutions, particularly when they occur during operational hours with employees present.

OUTRAGE IN SACRAMENTO

4PM ET: @ClayTravis unpacks the FBI arrest of the suspected gunman freed on bail after allegedly shooting at a Sacramento ABC station. He’s due in court today. pic.twitter.com/95K3vDhCKF

— The Will Cain Show (@WillCainShow) September 22, 2025

Reckless Attack on Occupied News Station

Sacramento Police responded Friday afternoon to reports of gunfire at KXTV (ABC10), where investigators discovered three bullet holes in the lobby window. The Tegna-owned affiliate was operating normally with staff present when the suspect allegedly conducted his drive-by assault around 1:30 p.m. Fortunately, no employees were injured despite the bullets penetrating the building’s occupied areas. The suspect was quickly identified through vehicle evidence and arrested Saturday morning on charges including assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied building.

Law Enforcement Condemns Unacceptable Violence

Sacramento Police Department officials emphasized that such attacks against media organizations represent “unacceptable behavior” that will not be tolerated in their city. Governor Gavin Newsom issued a strong condemnation, calling any violence toward journalists “an attack on our democracy itself.” This incident joins a concerning pattern of threats against news organizations nationwide, though direct attacks remain rare. The rapid police response and federal involvement demonstrate that authorities take these threats seriously, regardless of political motivation or media bias concerns.

Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures

While the suspect’s motive remains under investigation, KXTV has implemented additional security protocols to protect employees and operations. Tegna corporate officials confirmed all staff members are safe and that the company is cooperating fully with both local and federal investigators. The incident serves as a stark reminder that media organizations, regardless of their political leanings, deserve protection from violence. Law enforcement continues seeking public assistance as they work to understand what drove this dangerous attack on a functioning news operation.

Watch the report: Alleged suspect arrested in ABC’s Sacramento affiliate shooting

Sources:

ABC7NY – ABC Sacramento suspect arrested after allegedly firing gunshots at KXTV building
CBS Sacramento – Sacramento ABC10 TV building shooting
SFist – Shots reportedly fired at ABC affiliate in Sacramento