Jimmy Kimmel Suspension Tied to Sacramento ABC Shooting Investigation

The District Attorney for Sacramento County, Thien Ho, stated that a former lobbyist, who discharged a weapon outside of KXTV ABC10 in Sacramento, may have been influenced by the recent suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” According to the District Attorney, the shooting is being viewed in light of potential political motives.

The suspect, 64-year-old Anibal Hernandez Santana is alleged to have discharged multiple rounds from a firearm at the KXTV ABC10 facility. Video surveillance captured the moment when shots were fired and the police released images that show one of the windows at the ABC10 facility had alleged bullet holes. There were no reported casualties.

During a press briefing, District Attorney Ho stated that the suspect left numerous handwritten notes that indicate disagreement with several public officials, which include former U.S. President Donald Trump, and FBI director Kash Patel. The notes also mentioned Attorney General Pam Bondi along with some federal officials. The entirety of the writings have not been disclosed to the press, but Ho disclosed “circumstantial evidence” that the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel played a part in the shooting.

“We’re still investigating and this was clearly a specific target,” Ho said. “Based on the notes left behind and with the suspension of the Kimmel show, the evidence speaks to political motivation in this case…”

Comments by Jimmy Kimmel received backlash and contributed to political tensions

Disney ABC network pulled “Jimmy Kimmel Live” from the air indefinitely after Kimmel made comments about the passing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during the show. During his monologue, Kimmel remarked that conservative activism was trying to “politicize” the shooting and move blame. Kimmel said “The MAGA gang is trying to say this kid who shot Charlie Kirk isn’t one of them” which provoked outrage from Republican members of Congress.

After the surprise, ABC announced the Kimmel suspension and has not announced when the show will return to air. Sources said that ABC’s decision had something to do with the petition organizing that was happening, all of which intensified following the comments made by FCC commissioner Brendan Carr who called Kimmel’s comments “reckless and incendiary” putting further pressure on ABC.

Federal charges and incremental progress implications

After the shooting, Hernandez Santana was arrested, but then released on bail. Federal authorities arrested him again and he is now facing multiple felony charges that include assault with a firearm and fire into occupied building. The FBI Sacramento field office confirmed protocols for federal prosecutors and justification for national security.

Officials indicated investigations are ongoing but new charges have not been ruled out. They also indicated whether Hernandez Santana has made threats online or made contact with others who have shared the same political ideology.

While there has not been a definitive connection made between the shooting and the Kimmel suspension, the events occurring at the same time illustrate how media controversies and political rhetoric easily spiral out of control and leads to violence. In response, security for media outlets in Sacramento were increased and media made aware to make report threats or suspicious activity.