On Wednesday, a horrifying attack shook the Feather River Seventh-Day Adventist School in Northern California. Glenn Litton, 56, opened fire on the playground, critically injuring two kindergarteners before turning the gun on himself. The shooter, wielding a ghost gun, left a note claiming his actions were retaliation against U.S. policies in Palestine and Yemen.
The victims, Elias Wolford, 5, and Roman Mendez, 6, are now in critical condition. Both boys suffered severe internal injuries, with Elias shot in the abdomen and Roman hit twice. They have undergone emergency surgeries and face a long path to recovery.
Litton, a convicted felon with a long history of mental illness, should not have had access to any firearm, let alone a ghost gun. Untraceable and illegal under California law, ghost guns represent a growing concern for law enforcement.
The Butte County Sheriff’s Department described Litton as a homeless man with numerous recent arrests for theft, fraud, and embezzlement. Despite his criminal record, he was repeatedly released on his own recognizance. Sheriff Kory Honea expressed frustration, highlighting systemic failures that allowed Litton to roam freely despite clear warning signs.
Before the shooting, Litton left behind a chilling manifesto. In it, he claimed allegiance to “The International Alliance,” a fictitious organization, and justified his actions as a “countermeasure” against perceived U.S. oppression of Palestinians and Yemenis.
Experts warn that online radicalization can transform mentally unstable individuals into tools for extremist ideologies. Litton’s case underscores the growing threat of lone-wolf attacks inspired by geopolitical conflicts.
Litton gained access to the private Christian school by pretending to be a prospective grandparent interested in enrolling a child. School staff unwittingly gave him a tour before the shooting occurred. Authorities later revealed he had scheduled a similar tour at another Christian school in the area, suggesting this attack may not have been his only plan.
After the tour, staff heard gunshots and screams. Litton had opened fire near the bathrooms, targeting the two young children at random.
In the aftermath, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a brief statement but has avoided addressing the victims by name or the specifics of the case. Critics accuse Newsom of a double standard, citing his vocal response to a recent religiously motivated killing in Illinois involving a Muslim child.
Some suggest Newsom’s muted reaction reflects political discomfort with the attack’s context—specifically, its targeting of a Christian school and Litton’s claims of retaliation for U.S. foreign policies.
A candlelight vigil was planned for Friday evening, where families and community members gathered to support Elias, Roman, and their families.
“These boys are fighting for their lives,” Sheriff Honea said. “The fact that they are still with us is nothing short of a miracle.”
As investigations continue, this tragedy has reignited debates about gun control, homelessness, and mental health. The attack raises urgent questions about how best to address the intersection of these issues while safeguarding vulnerable communities.
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