Tragic Mass Shooting at Michigan State University Leaves Three Dead and Five Injured

On Monday night, Michigan State University was the site of yet another tragic mass shooting, leaving three dead and five injured.^[0] Shortly after 8:15 p.m., shots were fired near Berkey Hall on the East Lansing Campus.^[1] This was later followed by a shooting at IM East.^[2] The initial incident occurred at 8:18 p.m. inside Berkey Hall, an academic building several buildings east of the MSU Union on East Grand River Avenue.^[3]

In response to the shooting, Michigan State University Police and Public Safety announced that all campus activities have been canceled for 48 hours, including classes and athletics.^[4] MSU police also asked all students and staff to avoid coming to campus on Tuesday.^[5]

Fortunately, police were able to locate the suspect outside of the MSU campus and it was confirmed that the suspect died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.^[6] The suspect was identified as a 43-year-old man.

The five victims of the shooting were taken to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, where all five were listed in critical condition early Tuesday.^[7] Monday night, the police declined to provide any information as to the identities of the victims or if they are students.^[5]

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a statement Monday night, 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.”

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.”

^[8] The suspect was described as a Black male, shorter in stature, wearing red shoes, a jean jacket and a baseball cap.^[9]

0. “Oxford school shooting survivor on campus during mass shooting at Michigan State University” WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/02/14/oxford-school-shooting-survivor-on-campus-during-mass-shooting-at-michigan-state-university/

1. “Police: 3 confirmed dead, 5 injured after shooting on Michigan State campus” CBS News, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/3-dead-5-injured-after-shooting-on-michigan-state-campus

2. “Suspect in fatal Michigan State University shooting found dead” WILX, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/14/shelter-place-shots-fired-michigan-state-university/

3. “Michigan State Shooting Live Coverage: Police say 3 killed, 5 injured, suspect now dead” WLNS, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.wlns.com/news/local-news/shots-fired-at-msu-students-instructed-to-hide-run-hide-fight/

4. “City of East Lansing closes offices, schools cancel classes in wake of MSU shooting” Lansing State Journal, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/02/14/east-lansing-closes-offices-schools-cancel-classes-after-fatal-msu-shooting/69901753007/

5. “3 dead, 5 injured after shootings at Michigan State University” WJRT, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.abc12.com/news/crime/3-dead-5-injured-after-shootings-at-michigan-state-university/article_b3ba083e-ac0a-11ed-9b3f-13b2eddf490c.html

6. “Michigan State University shooting timeline: What we know after 3 killed, 5 hurt” FOX 2 Detroit, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-state-university-shooting-timeline-what-we-know-as-police-search-for-shooter

7. “Michigan State University shooting: ‘Our Spartan hearts are broken'” Bridge Michigan, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-state-university-shooting-our-spartan-hearts-are-broken

8. “43-year-old suspect accused of opening fire on Michigan State's campus found dead” WZZM13.com, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.wzzm13.com/article/sports/college/msu/msu-active-shooter-suspect/69-823bc94f-7924-4e49-85b0-b997c446c9b7

9. “Michigan State: Three killed in shooting at university” BBC, 14 Feb. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64632879