Governor Whitmer orders flags lowered to half-staff honoring the lives lost & supporting the Spartan community
Parents of Michigan State University students were all holding their breath as they received texts, and an audio live broadcast that updated them as to an active shooter event that occurred on campus just after 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13.
In a press release dated Feb. 14, 2023 the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU DPPS) was saddened to share information regarding the tragedy.
The first call reporting an active shooter took place at 8:18 p.m. at Berkey Hall. A shelter-in-place was immediately commanded for campus and the surrounding community. The MSU Alert system and MSU Emergency Operations Center were both activated at that time. Officers from all across the state responded to campus and began to complete a comprehensive search in attempt to locate the suspect.
The suspect was captured on campus security cameras at approximately 11:00 p.m. The suspect’s photos were disseminated across MSU DPPS social media channels and through other media partners at 11:18 p.m. Because of the quick release of photos, a caller’s tip was able to lead officers to the suspect at approximately 11:35 p.m., only 17 minutes after the release of the photos.
In the report it stated that five victims remain in the hospital in critical condition. Their identities have not been released as of the print time of the Tri-City Record.
With great sadness, the university reported three students lost their life. They were identified as Brian Fraser, a sophomore from Grosse Pointe, Alexandria Verner, a registered junior from Clawson, located outside the Detroit area, and Arielle Anderson, a junior who graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School.
The suspect has been identified as 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae. He died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As students return home after this tragic event, it may be difficult for those within the campus community and beyond to process. It’s important to remember that the grief some individuals may be experiencing is normal and there are a number of ways in which individuals can seek support, including talking with friends, family and colleagues to process this.
Lansing area resources are listed below for students and employees that need them.
Student Health Services
General info: 517-884-6526; Nurse on-call: 517-353-9165
Employee Assistance Program
EAP is a confidential, free counseling service for employees: 517-432-0155
Counseling & Psychiatry Services
CAPS is the place for students seeking help for a
Flags at half-staff
In a directive from Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office on Tuesday, Feb. 14, it states, “The State of Michigan remembers the victims and stands in solidarity with the Spartan community by lowering flags to half-staff. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.”
In honor of MSU students from the Tri-City area residents, businesses and all others are encouraged to display their flags at half-staff until the directive is lifted.
Michigan State University operated under modified operations/services for Tuesday, Feb. 14 and Wednesday, Feb. 15. They resumed normal operations as of Thursday, Feb. 16. All campus activities including athletics, classes (in person and remote), and all campus-related activities remain suspended at the time of printing.
Finally, it was asked of media and community members to respect the families’ privacy. Michigan State University officials stated that the university will stand together as a community and support one another as they work to conduct a comprehensive and thorough investigation regarding this tragic incident.
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