The facts surrounding the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School shooting have become more clear after today’s late afternoon press conference with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Key facts learned or confirmed today include:
Both of the kindergarten students who were seriously wounded remain in critical condition but are stable.
The perpetrator was identified as Glenn Litton, a one-time member of the Chico Seventh-day Adventist Church and former student at Paradise Adventist School. Sheriff Kory Honea reported that Litton suffered from mental illness and had a lengthy criminal background. As a convicted felon, Litton did not legally own the firearm used in the crime.
Law enforcement continues to seek information that will help illuminate Litton’s motive. Still, writings attributed to him suggest that he imagined himself to be a “lieutenant” in what appears to be a fictitious organization called the “International Alliance.”
The attack was an isolated incident. Litton died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There are indications that Litton had made plans to visit another Adventist school on December 5. According to Sheriff Honea, the gunman acted alone, and there are no lingering threats against any Seventh-day Adventist school, church, or other institution.
Honea paid tribute to the efforts of the Feather River principal and teachers who acted swiftly and decisively to protect students as soon as the threat was detected.
Northern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists director of communication and development, Laurie Trujillo, also spoke at the press conference and said, “On behalf of the Northern California Conference leadership team, I’d like to share our deep gratitude to Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea and his team, the California Highway Patrol, and all first responders. These consummate professionals quickly rushed in yesterday to protect our students and teachers. We also are thankful for the additional support from the FBI and are working closely with law enforcement as they seek answers through the investigation.”
Trujillo also shared that all Adventist schools in the Northern California Conference would be open on Dec. 6.
On behalf of the Feather River community, the Northern California Conference continues to encourage prayers lifting up all who have been affected by this tragedy.
The original article was published on the North American Division website.
