MSU mass shooting: Suspect's handguns were legally purchased

Three students were killed and five others were injured in Monday's shooting.

ByMorgan Winsor, Emily Shapiro, Meredith Deliso, and Ivan Pereira
Last Updated: February 16, 2023, 3:26 PM EST

Three students were killed and five others were injured when a gunman opened fire at two locations on Michigan State University's main campus in East Lansing on Monday night, police said.

After an hourslong manhunt, police found the suspect -- identified as 43-year-old Anthony McRae -- dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound off campus.

Four of the injured students were in critical condition and one was in stable condition on Thursday, officials said.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news developed. All times Eastern.
Feb 14, 2023, 8:14 AM EST

Michigan leaders call out US gun violence

At a news conference Tuesday, Michigan leaders called out the prevalence of U.S. gun violence.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said, “I cannot believe I am here again doing this 15 months later,” speaking at the scene of another Michigan school shooting, referring to the November 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School where four students were killed and several others were injured.

“I am filled with rage that we have to have another press conference about our children being killed in schools,” she said.

Police officers walk near the scene where the suspect was located as they respond to a shooting at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich., Feb. 14, 2023.
Dieu-nalio Chery/Reuters

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer added, “We’re all broken by an all-too-familiar feeling.”

“We cannot keep living like this,” she said. “Our children are scared to go to school. People feel unsafe in their houses of worship or local stores.”

Feb 14, 2023, 6:00 AM EST

City manager thanks 'brave' first responders after 'horrific act of violence'

Interim East Lansing City Manager Randy Talifarro described Monday night's mass shooting at Michigan State University as a "horrific act of violence."

"The City of East Lansing is mourning the devastating shooting that occurred on the campus of Michigan State University tonight," Talifarro said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to all of the victims of this horrific act of violence as well as their family and friends. East Lansing and MSU have always shared in each other's victories and each other's losses. Tonight, we hold space while we grapple with this devastating loss of life together."

Talifarro also thanked the "brave first responders who quickly responded to MSU's campus."

"Against every natural instinct they ran towards the sound of danger, seeking not their own wellbeing, but instead to protect and serve those in need," he said. "And we stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone impacted by tonight's events. Please know that you're not alone in your grief. We stand with you and will be here as we seek to heal as a community."

City buildings and offices, including city hall, the public library and the district court, will be closed to the general public on Tuesday. Essential city employees will be reporting to work.

Drop-in counseling services will be available for members of the community at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center beginning at 9 a.m. ET.

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