A California television station has been targeted by gunfire twice in just four days, with chilling surveillance footage showing a suspected gunman firing a barrage of bullets toward the building before speeding away into the night.
The frightening incidents unfolded at the KBAK/KBFX television studios in Bakersfield, where employees are now confronting serious safety concerns as police search for whoever is responsible.
The first shooting occurred late Friday, October 9, when someone opened fire on the station’s headquarters at 1901 Westwind Drive.
According to local reports, approximately 10 shots were fired, with bullets striking a conference room and an office inside the building.
Miraculously, no employees were injured.
But the situation became even more alarming early Tuesday, October 13, when the station was reportedly targeted by gunfire again.
Surveillance footage released following the incidents shows a dark-colored vehicle pulling up outside the television station at night.
The vehicle remains parked for approximately two minutes before several bright muzzle flashes appear near the driver’s side window.
Moments later, the vehicle speeds away from the scene.
The recording has become a central piece of evidence as investigators work to identify the shooter and determine whether the two incidents are connected.
Bakersfield police confirmed that they were investigating the gunfire at the station. The initial shooting damaged a window facing Westwind Drive, according to local television station KGET.
Police said the Friday incident was not reported to authorities until Sunday, October 11.
The apparent second attack came just days after the original shooting, raising questions about whether the building was being deliberately targeted.
However, investigators have not publicly established a motive or confirmed that the same individual was responsible for both incidents.
KBAK is Bakersfield’s CBS affiliate, while KBFX broadcasts Fox programming. Both stations operate from the same facility and are owned by Sinclair, one of the country’s largest television broadcasting companies.
The studios house journalists, producers and other employees responsible for delivering local news and weather coverage to residents throughout Kern County.
A Sinclair spokesperson confirmed that the company was cooperating with law enforcement and taking steps to protect employees.
“We are cooperating fully with the Bakersfield Police Department as it investigates a shooting incident at our KBAK/KBFX studios Friday evening,” spokesperson Jessica Bellucci said.
“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.”
The company also thanked local authorities for their efforts as the investigation continues.
Station employees have begun speaking publicly about the disturbing incident.
Shelby Martin, a weekend news anchor and reporter at KBAK/KBFX, shared a message on Instagram 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 wrote.
She added that the station would continue providing updates through its broadcasts and online coverage.
The shootings have raised broader concerns about the safety of journalists and media organizations.
Although reporters routinely cover violent crime, becoming the apparent target of gunfire presents a different and potentially serious threat to newsroom operations.
Investigators will need to determine whether the gunfire was intended to intimidate the station, whether an individual employee was targeted or whether another motive was involved.
Police have not announced evidence supporting any particular explanation.
The attack also underscores the importance of surveillance systems and building security for news organizations, particularly those operating around the clock.
Footage showing the suspicious vehicle could help investigators identify its make, model and movements before and after the shooting.
Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or announced any arrests.
As of Tuesday afternoon, October 13, the motive remained unknown, and police had not confirmed whether the two shootings were carried out by the same person.
Despite the disturbing attacks, KBAK/KBFX has continued serving its viewers while cooperating with the investigation.
Anyone with information about the shootings, the vehicle seen in the surveillance footage or suspicious activity near the station is urged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-327-7111.
For the journalists working inside the building, the most important development is that nobody was hurt. But with the person responsible still unidentified, serious questions remain about why a California newsroom came under fire twice in less than a week.
With flock cameras virtually everywhere, they should be able to catch this clown soon.