A California television newsroom has come under gunfire twice in less than a week, leaving employees shaken and authorities hunting for whoever is responsible for the brazen attacks.
Police in Bakersfield are investigating after a gunman opened fire on the KBAK/KBFX television studios early Tuesday morning, just days after the same building was riddled with bullets Friday night.
Miraculously, no employees were injured in either incident, despite gunfire striking areas of the building used by station personnel.
The shootings have raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists working inside the California newsroom, particularly as investigators have yet to establish a motive or identify a suspect.
Surveillance footage captured the chilling moments surrounding one of the attacks.
A black vehicle can be seen pulling up outside the television station and remaining stationary for approximately two minutes before several flashes erupt from the driver’s side window.
The vehicle then speeds away, leaving investigators with footage of the disturbing encounter.
Authorities revealed that 10 shots were fired into the building during Friday’s attack, with bullets striking a conference room and an office.
Additional gunfire struck the station early Tuesday, marking the second frightening incident in just four days.
Investigators have not determined whether the same individual was responsible for both shootings or whether the incidents were connected.
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The station, which operates under Sinclair Inc., confirmed that it is working closely with the Bakersfield Police Department as authorities attempt to track down the shooter.
Jessica Belluci, a spokesperson for Sinclair, addressed the initial shooting in a statement.
“We are cooperating fully with the Bakersfield Police Department as it investigates a shooting incident at our KBAK/KBFX studios Friday evening,” Belluci said.
She emphasized that protecting employees remains the company’s immediate priority.
“Thankfully, no one was injured. The safety and well-being of our employees is our top priority, and we are taking appropriate steps to ensure a safe and secure workplace. We appreciate the efforts of local law enforcement as the investigation continues.”
The frightening ordeal has also prompted reactions from journalists who work at the station.
Weekend anchor and reporter Shelby Martin addressed the incident in an Instagram post early Tuesday, expressing relief that her colleagues escaped unharmed.
“I am very grateful that my colleagues are safe and nobody was hurt in Friday’s shooting at the station,” Martin said. “We will continue to provide updates on the air and online.”
The attacks come as violence against journalists and threats targeting media organizations remain serious concerns across the country.
Although the shooter’s intentions remain unknown, firing multiple rounds into an occupied workplace presents an obvious threat to employees who could have been caught in the gunfire.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and investigators have not publicly identified a possible motive.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
