The Chico library shooting has left a California community in mourning, as friends remember one of the two victims as a hero who died trying to stop the gunman and protect a child. The attack at the Butte County Library’s Chico Branch on Monday afternoon claimed two lives and shattered the sense of safety surrounding a beloved public space.

A Father’s Terrifying Account

Among those inside the library when the violence erupted was Omie Hartman, who had been visiting with his 2-year-old son shortly after 5 p.m. He described the moment he spotted the gunman entering through the front door carrying what looked like a hunter-style rifle.

According to Hartman, the weapon was pointed toward the door, right where he and his son were standing. He reacted instantly, scooping up his son and running toward a back office.

The danger did not pass quickly. Hartman recalled hearing shots as he ran into the office, and then, while he and others huddled and waited for help, more gunfire, perhaps three to five additional shots.

A Remarkably Swift Police Response

The timeline of the law enforcement response was extraordinarily fast. According to Chico police, the first 911 call came in at 5:12 p.m. The first officer arrived just two minutes later at 5:14 p.m., and the suspect was in custody by 5:16 p.m.

That meant less than four minutes elapsed between the initial call and the suspect’s arrest. Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge called the response “absolutely amazing,” expressing his firm belief that the rapid action prevented further loss of life in the community.

The Victims

Two people lost their lives in the attack.

• Robert Johnson, 74, was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
• Jacob Hull, 46, was remembered by friends as someone who acted selflessly to protect others during the shooting.

According to Phillip Brun, owner of the restaurant Nobby’s, his understanding is that Hull was trying to stop the shooter from advancing deeper into the library, and that effort is what led to him being shot.

A Heartbreaking Act of Heroism

For Brun, the loss is deeply personal. He said it was his 8-year-old niece who was injured in the shooting. Yet he credits Hull, whom he described as a father figure to the girl, with saving her life.

Brun’s account paints Hull as someone who put himself directly in harm’s way to shield others, a detail that has resonated powerfully with a grieving community.

The Suspect and a Disturbing Motive

Investigators identified the suspect as 18-year-old Bradley Scott Sayer, and said he had no known connection to the victims.

After interviewing him, authorities said they learned Sayer had been influenced by social media centered on the Columbine High School shooting. Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey explained that the suspect had been a longtime follower of online content glorifying Columbine-style and school shootings, describing how Sayer had taken a deep dive into that community and, in Ramsey’s words, “lost his way.”

Officials shared additional details about the suspect’s background:

• He is being held in isolation as the investigation continues.
• He graduated from Chico High School and lived between two locations.
• The guns he used were registered to a family name.

A Community Comes Together

In the aftermath, Chico residents have begun to grieve and support one another. A growing memorial now stands outside the library, and a candlelight vigil was scheduled there for 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Local business owners are stepping up as well. Brun and his wife, Jessica, who own Nobby’s and the Cheese Steak Shop, plan to hold fundraisers at both restaurants this weekend to benefit the victims’ families. The event at Nobby’s is set for Saturday, with the Cheese Steak Shop hosting on Sunday. They have pledged that 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated and split between the families.

What Comes Next

The legal process is now underway. Authorities said Sayer is expected to face at least two counts of first-degree murder, while investigators weigh additional charges. He is scheduled to appear in Butte County Superior Court on Thursday afternoon.

As Chico absorbs the shock of losing two of its own, the story of Jacob Hull’s final act offers the community a painful but powerful reminder of courage in the face of senseless violence.

This is a sensitive topic involving violence and loss of life. If you or someone you know has been affected by this tragedy and is struggling, reaching out to a mental health professional or a trusted person for support can make a real difference.