The facts surrounding the Feather River Seventh-day Adventist School shooting have become more apparent after yesterday’s late afternoon press conference with the Butte County Sheriff’s Office and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Key facts confirmed yesterday include:
– Both seriously wounded kindergarten students are being treated and remain in critical condition. Sheriff Kory Honea explained that these two boys have a long road to recovery. Let us continue to keep these boys and their families in prayer.
– The perpetrator was Glenn Litton, who was later confirmed to be a lapsed Chico Seventh-day Adventist church member and former student at Paradise Adventist Elementary and Chico Adventist Schools. Sheriff Honea reported that he 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.”
– Sheriff Honea confirmed that the attack was an isolated incident and that Litton died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators later discovered that he had scheduled to visit another nearby Adventist school on December 5.
– Sheriff Honea paid tribute to the efforts of Feather River principal and teachers who acted swiftly and decisively to protect students as soon as the threat was detected.
With the information provided by Sheriff Honea, the CHP Commissioner, the Butte County District Attorney, and the FBI in coordination with other federal entities, it does not appear there is any active threat to our schools, churches, or other Adventist institutions and that Litton was acting alone. As a result, many Adventist schools will resume classes today, and special efforts are being made to ensure counseling support is available to all families and students.
Chico, Yuba City and Feather River Adventist Schools will remain closed as we prioritize care and support for staff, families, and students. Please continue to pray for all our students, especially those hospitalized, and our faculty, staff, and families.
All questions related to this incident should be directed to Laurie Trujillo, Director of Communication, at (916) 886-5642 or laurie.trujillo@nccsda.com
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