FBI Director Kash Patel announces re-arrest of Anibal Hernandez Santana for allegedly interfering with licensed broadcast after he was released on a $200,000 bond
The man accused of opening fire on the ABC10 television station in the wake of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension is back in custody, according to a statement from FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday. The suspect, identified as 64-year-old Anibal Hernandez Santana, was re-arrested by federal authorities for allegedly violating a federal statute that criminalizes interference with licensed broadcasts.
Santana had been initially released from the Sacramento County Main Jail on Saturday after posting a $200,000 bond. He was originally booked on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied building, and negligent discharge of a firearm following an incident on Friday where three bullets were allegedly fired into the station’s lobby window. No injuries or deaths were reported in the shooting.
In a post on X, FBI Director Patel stated, “The FBI has taken into custody the suspect linked to the shooting into ABC10’s Sacramento station lobby under a federal hold for interference with licensed broadcasts. Targeted acts of violence are unacceptable and will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”
Santana is now being held without bail as he awaits a court appearance in federal custody.
The shooting incident followed ABC’s decision to indefinitely suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The suspension came after Kimmel made comments during his monologue on September 15 regarding the death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Kimmel falsely suggested the assassin was part of the “MAGA gang” and compared President Donald Trump’s reaction to the death to that of a child mourning a goldfish.
Kimmel’s remarks sparked controversy, with Disney CEO Bob Iger and Disney Entertainment co-chairwoman Dana Walden reportedly concerned that the comments would “fan the flames” rather than de-escalate tensions. Kimmel had reportedly planned to double down on his comments, which allegedly led to the suspension of his show.
The suspension has since triggered protests across the country in support of Kimmel, with Democrats and liberal media figures characterizing the move as an attack on free speech.
READ: Jonathan Turley Says Would-Be Trump Assassin’s “Only Hope” Is To Take The Stand
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
