Who was Glenn Litton? Homeless man shot two children at California school before taking his own life

Glenn Litton, a 56-year-old homeless American man, shot and killed himself on Thursday after opening fire at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Oroville, California, leaving two young boys critically injured: Elias, 5, and Roman, 6.

Litton’s criminal history

Litton had a long history of legal troubles and mental health challenges. His criminal record included theft, identity theft, and drug charges. In 2002, he was found with items like disguises, a bulletproof vest, and shackles, suggesting he had plans for a violent attack, as reported by New York Post. Although sentenced to eight years in prison, he was released early in 2006 and continued his criminal behaviour.
Just weeks before the shooting, Litton was arrested near San Francisco for stealing a moving truck. He was released from jail on November 21 and travelled to Oroville shortly before the attack.
Police found a note left by Litton in which he claimed to be a “lieutenant” of an “international alliance” and described the attack as a “response” to America’s involvement in global conflicts. Authorities believe these writings were delusional and the result of his mental illness.
“Countermeasure involving child executions has now been imposed at the Seventh Day Adventist school in CA, U.S. by the international alliance,” Litton wrote.
“I, Lieutenant Glenn Litton of the alliance carried out countermeasure in necessitated response to America’s involvement with genocide and oppression of Palestinians along with attacks towards Yemen,” he added.
Investigators also discovered that Litton had considered attacking another Seventh-Day Adventist location but ultimately targeted the Oroville school.

The Shooting

On December 4, Litton entered the Feather River School pretending he wanted to enroll his grandson, though no such child existed. Shortly after meeting with the principal, he entered the playground and began shooting, injuring two kindergarteners. Both boys are in critical but stable condition and require multiple surgeries.
Litton used a “ghost gun,” an untraceable firearm assembled from spare parts, and then turned the weapon on himself.
The school, with just 35 students, is devastated by the attack. Elias and Roman remain hospitalised, facing a long recovery. Elias’ family said the bullet pierced multiple organs before exiting, while Roman’s family shared that he has undergone several successful surgeries but has more ahead.
Butte County sheriff Kory Honea called it a “miracle” the boys survived. “They have a long road ahead, but the fact that they’re still with us is remarkable,” he said.