A shooting inside a Northern California library on Monday left two people dead and a suspect in custody, authorities said, as investigators worked to determine what led to the violence that unfolded inside the community building.
Police responded shortly after 5 p.m. following a 911 call reporting gunshots and screams coming from the Chico branch of the Butte County Library, Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said during a news conference.
Officers rushed into the library after arriving at the scene, where the suspect allegedly fled through the back of the building. Additional law enforcement officers positioned behind the library later took the suspect into custody, Aldridge said. The arrest was shown on a widely circulated social media video.
“The incident this evening was obviously very sad, traumatic for a lot of people,” Aldridge said, describing the shooting as a devastating moment for the community.
Authorities said a child was also taken to a hospital with a minor injury. Police said there was no ongoing threat to the public and believe the suspect acted alone.
The suspect’s name has not been released, and authorities have not disclosed a possible motive. The identities of the two people killed are being withheld until their families are notified.
The area surrounding the library was temporarily closed as investigators processed the scene. A family reunification center was established for people who were inside the building during the shooting.
Butte County officials urged residents to avoid the area and announced that all county library branches would be closed Tuesday.
In a statement, the county offered condolences to the victims’ families, library employees and everyone affected by what officials called a “heartbreaking incident.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom also issued a statement in which he said in part, “Our hearts are with the Chico community tonight.”
“We are grateful to law enforcement for their swift actions to secure the scene and take the suspect into custody. No family should have to endure a tragedy like this,” he added.
