Overview
- Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, was ordered held without bail after a federal judge concluded the court could not ensure public safety.
- DOJ filings describe a Sept. 16 visit to a nearby elementary school where he asked to read to students, which prosecutors call consistent with pre‑attack site surveillance.
- Investigators say they found handwritten notes and a planner entry reading "Do the Next Scary Thing," with the Sacramento DA asserting a political motive and noting additional writings under review.
- He faces federal counts for possessing and discharging a firearm in a school zone and interfering with a licensed broadcaster, plus state charges including assault with a deadly weapon and shooting into an occupied building.
- The defense says he denies involvement, argues the planner phrase is a self‑help mantra, and notes he said from jail that he is "not a violent man"; his next federal court date is Oct. 6.