A shooting at the Butte County Library in Chico, California, left two adults dead and a child injured on Monday evening, June 22, 2026, according to police officials who confirmed the suspect was taken into custody shortly after the attack.
Chico Police Chief Billy Aldridge said officers responded to the library on Sherman Avenue at around 5:12 p.m. after receiving reports of an active shooter inside the building.
Dispatchers also fielded a 911 call during which gunshots and screaming could be heard in the background, underscoring the chaos that unfolded as the library remained open to the public at the time.
According to police, officers quickly assembled an entry team and moved into the building. As they advanced, the suspect ran out the back of the library, where officers stationed along a perimeter took the person into custody without incident.
Authorities said no shots were exchanged between the suspect and responding officers, and no officers were injured during the operation.
Victims Not Yet Identified, Investigation Ongoing
The two adults who died in the shooting have not been publicly identified, as authorities are withholding their names pending notification of family members.
The injured juvenile suffered what officials described as a minor injury. Family reunification efforts were set up at Chico First Assembly of God Church for those affected by the incident.
Investigators said the suspect appeared to have acted alone and that a single firearm was recovered at the scene. Police have not released the suspect’s identity, nor have they disclosed a possible motive for the shooting.
The Chico Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In a statement issued shortly after the shooting, police emphasized there was no continuing danger to the public.
“ONE SUSPECT IN CUSTODY, no information to lead us to believe there is an ongoing threat,” the department said, while asking residents to avoid the area and keep roadways clear for emergency crews.
Streets surrounding the library, including the intersection of Sherman Avenue and East Third Avenue, were expected to remain closed for several hours as investigators processed the scene. All Butte County Library branches were ordered closed for Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as a result of the incident.
Community Reaction Pours In
News of the shooting spread quickly online, with residents expressing shock and concern. Several people noted that a school sits near the library, prompting worry among parents and neighbors about the safety of children in the area.
Others praised the swift response from law enforcement, thanking officers for how they handled the unfolding crisis.
Unverified claims about the number of victims circulated on social media in the immediate aftermath, including posts suggesting higher casualty counts than what police have officially confirmed.
Authorities have not validated any of these claims, and the only verified details remain those provided during Monday evening’s news conference.
As the investigation continues, police have asked the public to rely on official statements rather than unconfirmed reports circulating online. No additional details about the suspect’s background or possible motive have been released as of Tuesday morning.
