A shooting at the Chico branch of the Butte County Library in Northern California on Tuesday left one person dead and two others injured, according to authorities. The suspect was taken into custody.
Details of the incident
The Chico Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at the library located at 1108 Sherman Avenue around 2 p.m. local time. Officers arrived to find three victims with gunshot wounds. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while two others were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was apprehended shortly after the shooting and is in police custody. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Witness accounts and response
Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots and seeing people fleeing the library. "It was chaos, people were screaming and running out," said one witness who asked not to be named. The library was evacuated and closed for the remainder of the day.
Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said at a press conference that the investigation is in its early stages. "We are working diligently to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding this tragic event," Aldridge said. He added that the suspect is cooperating with investigators.
Community impact
The shooting has shaken the community of Chico, a city of about 100,000 residents in Butte County. The library is a popular community hub. Mayor Andrew Coolidge expressed condolences: "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. This is a senseless act of violence that has no place in our city."
Butte County Supervisor Doug Teeter called for a review of security measures at public facilities. "We need to ensure that our libraries and other public spaces are safe for everyone," Teeter said.
Broader context of gun violence
The incident adds to a growing list of mass shootings in public spaces across the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 250 mass shootings in the U.S. so far in 2026. The Chico library shooting is one of several recent shootings at libraries nationwide, raising concerns about safety in these traditionally peaceful environments.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chico Police Department.
