A tragic shooting unfolded on Wednesday at a school affiliated with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church near Oroville, California, leaving two young children critically injured. The victims, a six-year-old and a five-year-old, were shot outside a classroom at the Feather River School.
Following the attack, the gunman, identified as 56-year-old Glenn Litton, fatally shot himself. The children were immediately rushed to a trauma center, where they were reported to be in critical but stable condition. Law enforcement quickly responded to the incident, with officials noting that the motive appeared to be related to the gunman’s views on global political events.
According to investigators, Litton had used a ruse to gain access to the school. He scheduled a meeting with a school administrator under the guise of enrolling a student. During the meeting, Litton toured the premises, and everything appeared normal until he walked toward a bathroom, where he began shooting. The gunfire hit the two children and caused panic among the remaining students.
Tragic Shooting at Seventh-Day Adventist School in California Leaves Two Children Injured, Gunman Dead
Following the attack, Litton turned the weapon on himself, and first responders found his body alongside the firearm. The remaining children, numbering 35, were quickly evacuated to a nearby church, where they were reunited with their families.
Investigators believe that Litton specifically targeted the school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. A note found by authorities revealed his motive, indicating that he sought to carry out the attack as a form of protest against U.S. involvement in global conflicts. The note referenced the war in Gaza, U.S. actions in Yemen, and alleged genocide and oppression against Palestinians. Litton’s motivations were linked to his anger over these geopolitical issues, and the attack appeared to be a response to these events.
Further examination revealed that Litton had a lengthy criminal history, including charges for theft, fraud, and forgery, as well as mental health issues. Despite these concerns, there had been no clear indications that he might pose a threat to the school specifically. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case to understand any possible warning signs that could have prevented this tragedy. Meanwhile, the school and church community are left to cope with the aftermath of the devastating incident.
This tragic shooting at a Seventh-Day Adventist school underscores the complexities of responding to violent acts fueled by global political tensions. The church, with over 21 million members worldwide, including approximately one million in North America, is now grappling with the shock of this targeted attack.
While law enforcement has assured the public that this was likely an isolated incident, a state-wide alert was issued to other Seventh-Day Adventist schools as a precautionary measure. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of such acts of violence, especially when intertwined with deeply held political beliefs.
