MEMORIALS & VIGILS
After three Michigan State University students were killed and three others injured, the Spartan community continues to honor the victims with vigils and memorials.
On Wednesday evening, people flooded campus for a march and vigil. Starting at the Spartan Statue, which was ringed with bouquets of flowers, students and community members walked towards The Rock, where university leaders spoke and candles were light in honor of the victims.
Coach Tom Izzo, as well as Interim President Theresa Woodruff, were among those who spoke at Wednesday's vigil.
Throughout Wednesday afternoon, students contributed to a growing memorial at Spartan Statue by placing flowers and paying their respects.
Students also gathered off-campus, rallying at the steps of the Michigan Capitol building and calling on lawmakers to take action.
Dozens of MSU students, alum, supporters, and community members came to the lawn in front of the Capital, holding a peaceful sit-in. Several lawmakers also participated, including Rep. Elissa Slotkin and State Senator Mallory McMorrow.
“As elected leaders, above all, the number one responsibility is to protect your citizens,” said Rep. Elissa Slotkin.
PRESS CONFERENCE FROM MSU POLICE
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety say a suspect in a shooting on campus that killed three people and injured five others is dead.
In a news conference Tuesday morning, police confirmed all 8 victims in Monday night's shooting, including the 3 killed, are MSU students.
The identities of the victims were released gradually on Tuesday.
One of the students killed was identified as junior Alexandria Verner, according to an email by Clawson Public Schools. We're told she graduated from Clawson High School in 2020.
The university's police department later identified sophomore Brian Fraser from Grosse Pointe as another victim.
Family members confirmed the identity of the third victim to WXYZ — our sister station in Detroit — as 19-year-old Arielle Diamond Anderson.
On Wednesday, MSU police confirmed all five people injured in the shooting remain in critical condition.
The shooter was identified as 43-year-old Anthony McRae, who authorities say had no ties to the university. A caller's tip led responders to his location.
Police in New Jersey say McRae carried a note, which had a threat targeting a pair of schools in the state, Investigators suggest he exhibited mental health issues in the past.
McRae's father says Anthony became "totally lost" after his mother died of a stroke in 2020.
"We are all broken by an all-too familiar feeling," Whitmer said, opening the press conference at her alma mater, calling mass shootings a "uniquely American problem."
Through tears, Dr. Denny Martin, Chief Medical Officer at Sparrow Hospital, told us 4 of the 5 students taken to Sparrow Health Hospital required surgery— all are in critical condition this morning. Names of the victims will be released only after family has been properly notified.
Theresa Woodruff, Interim President of Michigan State University began slowly, saying Spartans and their loved ones are struggling to comprehend the loss of friends and classmates.
If you are a student or community member in crisis or in need of someone to talk to about this incident, reach out:
Students: 517-355-8270, option 1
Community members: 517-346-8460
According to MSU, councilors are available at the Hannah Community Center starting at 8 a.m.
WATCH: COVERAGE FROM BERKEY HALL, MSU UNION
Michigan State University Police say the shooting started after 8 p.m. Monday at Berkey Hall, where officers found several victims after responding to calls of shots fired.
From there, the incident moved to the MSU Union building, where a second shooting was reported.
Berkey Hall is an academic building that is unlocked and open to the public during business hours. The MSU Union is also typically open to the general public, police said.
Michigan State University Police confirmed shortly before midnight that three people had been killed and five others were in the hospital, all in critical condition.
Police say two of the victims were killed at Berkey Hall and another was killed at the Union. At this time, police are not releasing the names of the victims.
Just before 12:30 a.m., Michigan State University Police and Public Safety announced the suspect in the shooting had been found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a location off campus.
“The suspect in this incident was located outside of the MSU campus and it does appear that that suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” said Michigan State University Police and Public Safety Deputy Chief Chris Rozman.
Rozman says it's his understanding that there was some contact with police just before the suspect shot himself.
“This truly has been a nightmare that we are living tonight,” said Rozman. He continued, “We are relieved to no longer have an active threat on campus. While we realize that there is so much healing that will need to take place after this.”
WATCH:
“Our investigators will continue to work tonight and around the clock to process the crime scenes and start to put the pieces together to try to understand what happened here tonight,” said FBI special agent in charge Jim Tarasca.
Students had been told to shelter in place and officials asked people not to come to MSU’s campus, but the shelter-in-place order has since been lifted. Campus, however, will remain closed for 48 hours.
Michigan State University Police released photos of the suspect in the campus shooting Monday before 11:30 p.m.
At this time, police say they don't know what the motive could be for the shooting.
A representative from Sparrow Health confirmed five victims had been transported there.
Law enforcement from across the state responded to the shooting at MSU, including the FBI, the Kent County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team and members of the Grand Rapids Police Department's special response team.
If you have any information that could help officials in their investigation, call 844-99-MSUPD or email tips@police.msu.edu.
MSU Police and Public Safety announced that all campus activities have been canceled until at least Monday. This includes classes and athletics.
LAWMAKERS REACT
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement just before 1 a.m. Tuesday.
“Our Spartan community and Michiganders across the state are devastated.
“MSU’s campus is a special place for so many, and it is now the site of another senseless act of gun violence. Parents across Michigan were on pins and needles calling their kids to check in on them and tell them they love them.
“It doesn’t have to be this way.
“Certain places are supposed to be about community, learning, or joy—elementary schools and college campuses, movie theaters and dance halls, grocery stores and workplaces. They should not be the sites of bloodshed.
“This is a uniquely American problem. Too many of us scan rooms for exits when we enter them. We plan who that last text or call would go to. We should not, we cannot, accept living like this.
“I want to thank the first responders for their swift actions on the ground tonight and the medical professionals who are working to save lives.
“Spartans will cry and hold each other a little closer. We will mourn the loss of beautiful souls and pray for those fighting for their lives in the hospital.”
Whitmer ordered all flags at government buildings to be lowered to half-staff until further notice.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also released a statement early Tuesday morning, saying, “As a parent, there is no greater fear than having your child tell you there is an active shooter at their school. I experienced this terror along with thousands of other MSU families last night. While my Spartan sons are safe, I am mourning the devastating loss and senseless violence. The events at Michigan State University are a tragedy for the entire state of Michigan. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, friends, and loved ones.
"I want to thank everyone in law enforcement who worked to secure the campus and protect the community. I am hopeful that the investigation reveals how we can better protect our children, our neighbors, and all those who call Michigan home.”
SPARTANS REACT
FOX 17’s Josh Berry spoke with students at MSU about the deadly shooting.
Freshman Riley Smith said, “You know, a future doctor, teacher, who could have helped you just died. Like, that's something to think about. And that's really scary that nothing has been done about that. And that people like me, like millions of other people like me in America, you know, kids still even though we're over 18, we have to come to college that we pay for, but we're still scared and fear for our lives every day. It's not fair."
Riley’s mom said, “I want to send a message to our country to our leaders. We need to stop this something needs to happen in this country, that young children, young adults on their way to discovering their future should not be faced with constant fear of what's going to happen to them in an educational environment."
Counselors will be available to students at the Hannah Community Center beginning at 9 a.m.
On Monday night, East Lansing Public Schools announced that it would be closed on Tuesday due to its proximity to the MSU campus.
Dansville Schools, Haslett Public Schools, Okemos Public Schools, Mason Public Schools, Williamston Community Schools and Webberville Community Schools also announced that they would be closed on Tuesday, Feb.14.
Holt Public Schools and Waverly Community Schools announced that both school and childcare will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
The University of Michigan lowered flags to half-staff Tuesday.
University President Santa J. Ono released the following statement:
"Dear U-M community,
"Our hearts are broken with the Michigan State University family following last night’s horrific shooting. We wish for a speedy recovery of the wounded, and we pray for comfort and grace for the loved ones of those so suddenly lost.
"I know many in our community are reeling from this event as you have friends or family who belong to the MSU community. I encourage us all to take a moment to show our appreciation and support for one another. Support resources are available on campus for students, faculty and staff. Our campus will remain open today and you will see an increased safety and security presence from our Division of Public Safety and Security.
"Provost Laurie McCauley and I have reached out to our counterparts at MSU, offering any assistance that we might provide them at this time. Plans are being made for our community to come together for a vigil on the Diag tomorrow at 7 p.m.
"Let us do all we can to support one another, and our MSU family, in this hour of tragedy and need."
A prayer service at Michigan State University can be watched below:
MSU officials released a list of counseling services and other resources as it helps students and families navigate this difficult time.
