Remembering the Lives Lost: Tragedy Strikes Michigan State University
On Monday night, tragedy struck Michigan State University when 43-year-old Anthony McRae opened fire at two MSU buildings, killing three and wounding five. The victims were identified as Brian Fraser, a sophomore from Grosse Pointe; Alexandria Verner, a junior from Clawson; and Arielle Anderson, a junior also from Grosse Pointe.[0] McRae had no known ties to MSU and police still do not know his motive. A felony charge against McRae was later pleaded down to a misdemeanor, and he was sentenced to 18 months probation.[1]
In the wake of the tragedy, Michigan State University has established several resources available to students. A vigil to remember the lives lost and recognize the first responders for their heroic efforts was held at the rock on campus Wednesday at 6 p.m.[2] Additionally, the University of Michigan’s sports teams will wear special Spartans decals during upcoming games to honor the victims.[3]
The shooting has left the MSU campus traumatized and grief-stricken. Selena Huapilla-Perez, the sister of one of the victims, wrote “She is a long way from returning to us as she was. Doctors tell us that even in improving conditions, the process for a full recovery will take months of care and subsequent rehabilitation.” The university community is asking “how many more?” as they grapple with the senseless loss of life.
With no clear motive for the shooting, the MSU community is left with many questions. To read all of MLive’s coverage on the MSU shooting, go here. If you would like to read more about the mass shooting at Michigan State University, please click the link provided by MLive.
0. “Michigan State shooting victims identified as Alexandria Verner, Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson” CBS News, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/msu-shooting-victims-brian-fraser-alexandria-verner-arielle-anderson-michigan-state-university
1. “Police bodycam footage shows MSU shooting suspect's 2019 arrest” WXYZ 7 Action News Detroit, 15 Feb. 2023, https://www.wxyz.com/news/msu-tragedy/police-bodycam-footage-shows-msu-shooting-suspects-2019-arrest
2. “MSU Campus to remember the lives lost and recognize first responders” WILX, 15 Feb. 2023, https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/15/msu-campus-remember-lives-lost-recognize-first-responders/
3. “University of Michigan teams to honor victims of MSU shooting with special decals” Detroit Free Press, 15 Feb. 2023, https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2023/02/15/michigan-wolverines-decals-michigan-state-shooting-victims/69907513007
