Anibal Hernandez Santana Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, appeared in federal court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to four charges related to a shooting incident at the ABC10 TV station.

The charges stem from an incident on September 19, when prosecutors allege Hernandez Santana discharged a firearm multiple times near the station. He is accused of firing three shots into the lobby area and an additional round into the air from a nearby parking lot. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident.

During his brief arraignment, which lasted just four minutes, Hernandez Santana did not speak; his defense attorney entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. The federal charges include discharging a firearm within a school zone and interfering with a radio communication station.

After the shooting, Hernandez Santana was initially arrested by local authorities on state charges and posted bail shortly after. However, he was taken into federal custody due to concerns that he posed a flight risk and still possessed a firearm.

The shooting occurred shortly after a small protest outside the ABC10 station in response to late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension over comments about the late activist Charlie Kirk. Investigators later found a note at Hernandez Santana’s home, allegedly indicating a motive connected to the protest.

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho suggested the shooting was politically motivated, stating it may have been intended as an attack on a free press. Mark Reichel, Hernandez Santana’s defense attorney, expressed concerns about the case, questioning why federal prosecutors pursued charges that could be seen as typically handled at the state level.

“We expect to review the materials soon and may request another bail hearing depending on the evidence we receive,” Reichel indicated.

If convicted on federal charges, Hernandez Santana could face up to five years in prison and significant fines. Additionally, he has faced state charges related to discharging a firearm into an inhabited dwelling, which carry their own serious consequences.

Hernandez Santana’s next federal court date is scheduled for November 17, while a status hearing for his state charges is set for October 16.