Active Shooter Storms MSU Campus

By Kelley Daphness Last updated Feb 17, 2023

Police barricade at the scene of the crime at Michigan State University. Photo Credit: Flickr

Gunman, 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae, stormed Michigan State University’s (MSU) campus on Monday evening. McRae, who lived off campus, with no ties to the university, attacked the MSU Union student center and Berkey Hall, a social science building. The vicious and violent attack led to the death of three students and left five students injured and in critical condition. McRae was later found dead in Lansing; police officials say his death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police found a note which indicated that McRae planned to attack two New Jersey public schools.

Shots rang on MSU’s campus at 8:18 pm on Monday. Shortly following the 8:18 pm shooting, more shots were heard across campus. Officers responded and found several shooting victims, two at the first site, and the third at the second site.

Victims of the shooting are as follows: Alexandria Verner, 20, of Clawson, Michigan, Brian Fraser, 20, of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Arielle Diamond Anderson, 19, of Harper Woods, Michigan. The victims were heavily involved in campus-wide activities and active members of their communities.

Chilling images and TikTok videos surfaced on the internet while the active shooting situation was taking place. Students at Michigan State University are using TikTok as a platform to express their anger and anxiety, and to get the story more coverage. Jackie Matthews, A 21-year-old MSU senior from Newtown, Connecticut, has lived through two school shooting incidents, including Sandy Hook in 2012. Matthews took to TikTok to call for change and action from the government in preventing mass shooting incidents.

The MSU shooting is one of many that has happened just this year. School shootings have become a reoccurring instance. As students from all over America mourn one, it seems another one happens. Places of education, although protected, are not always safe spaces. Due to students not feeling safe on campus, MSU has suspended all campus activities.

MSU President Teresa Woodruff says that the school will take two days to continue with its emergency operations. Faculty and staff will be provided with services to help them grieve, and she hopes the Spartan community will come back together.

The St. Lawrence University’s Dean for Diversity and Inclusion Kimberly Flint-Hamilton has released a statement on the MSU shooting. Flint-Hamilton acknowledges the repeated pattern of school shootings in the United States. St. Lawrence University offers warm remarks and loving thoughts to the community of MSU. A candlelight vigil will be held on Feb. 17 to reflect and send peace and healing to MSU. St. Lawrence University’s response was thoughtful, precise, and well-planned.