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**Man Pleads Not Guilty in ABC10 Shooting, Prosecutors Allege Political Motivation**

SACRAMENTO, CA – Anibal Hernandez Santana, the man accused of firing shots into the lobby of Sacramento news station ABC10 last month, pleaded not guilty to four federal charges during a brief arraignment in federal court Monday.

Prosecutors allege Hernandez Santana fired three shots into the ABC10 lobby on September 19th, as well as an additional shot into the air in a nearby parking lot. No injuries were reported in either incident. The charges include knowingly possessing and discharging a firearm within a school zone and interference with a radio communication station.

Hernandez Santana, a lawyer and retired lobbyist, was initially released on bail following his arrest on state charges. However, federal authorities took him into custody after prosecutors argued he was a flight risk and still possessed a firearm.

Following his arrest, court documents revealed a note found by Sacramento Police officers that mentioned a conspiracy and included the line: “For hiding Epstein & ignoring red flags. Do not support Patel, Bongino, & AG Pam Bondie. They’re next. – C.K. from above.”

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho has stated he believes the shooting was politically motivated, linking “C.K.” to conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and suggesting the incident was an attack on a free press. The shooting occurred two days after late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was temporarily suspended over comments he made related to Kirk. A small protest occurred outside the ABC10 station after Kimmel’s suspension, but there were no protests during the time of the shooting.

Defense attorney Mark Reichel stated they will be reviewing evidence to determine the best defense. Reichel has previously indicated that investigators are scrutinizing Hernandez Santana’s social media activity, which includes posts critical of former President Donald Trump and his administration, as well as references to Charlie Kirk.

Hernandez Santana faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted on the school zone firearm charge. The interference with radio communications charge carries a maximum of one year imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. He also faces state charges, including discharging a firearm into an inhabited building and assault with a semi-automatic firearm, carrying a maximum 17-year sentence if convicted.

Hernandez Santana is scheduled to appear in federal court on November 17th. A status conference for the state case is set for October 16th.

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