A deadly shooting inside a Northern California library Monday evening left two people dead and a suspect behind bars, according to local police.
Officers rushed to the scene shortly after 5 p.m. following a 911 call in which gunshots and the sounds of screaming could be heard coming from inside the Chico branch of the Butte County Library. The city’s chief of police, Billy Aldridge, shared those details during a news conference following the incident.
When officers entered the building, the suspect slipped out through a back exit, Aldridge said. Law enforcement stationed behind the library was able to apprehend the individual.
“The incident this evening was obviously very sad, traumatic for a lot of people. Very traumatic for our community,” Aldridge said.
Streets surrounding the library were temporarily shut down, and a family reunification center was established for those who had been inside the building at the time of the shooting. A child was also transported to the hospital with a minor injury.
Aldridge stated that there is no ongoing serious threat to the public, and investigators are actively working to determine what led to the shooting. Authorities believe the gunman acted alone.
Police have not released the suspect’s name or a motive for the attack. The identities of the two people killed are also being withheld until their families can be notified.
County officials urged residents to stay away from the area and announced that all Butte County library branches would remain closed on Tuesday.
In a Facebook post, the county extended its “deepest condolences to everyone affected, including the victims, their loved ones, library staff, and all those impacted by this heartbreaking incident.”
