Michigan State University: A Deadly Place For Students

On February 13, 2023, a gunman opened fire at Michigan State University, killing three students and wounding five others before taking his own life. The three students who lost their lives in this tragic incident were Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser, and Alexandria Verner. The gunman, identified as 43-year-old Anthony McRae, had no known affiliation with the university and the motive behind his actions remains unknown.

The gunman's identity

The gunman responsible for the Michigan State University shooting was identified as 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae. McRae was a Lansing resident with no known connection to the university or the victims. He was born in Bear, Delaware, raised in Trenton, New Jersey, and had moved to Michigan in 2003.

McRae had a history of mental health issues and anger problems, which appeared to worsen after his mother's death in 2020. He became reclusive, socially isolated, and hostile towards others. McRae had worked at a warehouse loading trucks but quit his job shortly after his mother passed away.

In June 2019, McRae was arrested for carrying a weapon without a concealed pistol license and charged with a felony. However, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and was put on probation, from which he was discharged in May 2021.

On the day of the shooting, February 13, 2023, McRae arrived at Michigan State University by bus. He walked around the campus for some time before entering Berkey Hall, where he opened fire in a classroom, killing two students and injuring several others. He then moved to the nearby MSU Union building and killed another student. In total, McRae killed three people and injured five others before taking his own life when confronted by the police off campus.

A note found in McRae's possession included threats against MSU, local businesses, and two New Jersey public schools. Investigators also found journals and two bus tickets at his home. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, but the note and journals may provide some insight into his intentions.

The victims' identities

On February 13, 2023, a mass shooting occurred at Michigan State University, resulting in the deaths of three students: Arielle Diamond Anderson, Brian Fraser, and Alexandria Verner. Five other students were critically injured.

Arielle Anderson, aged 19, was an aspiring paediatric surgeon. Her family described her as "sweet and loving with an infectious smile". She was a junior from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and the niece of Chandra "Deelishis" Davis.

Brian Fraser, a sophomore from Grosse Pointe, was in his second year at the university, studying business. He was also the chapter president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. A social media post from the fraternity read: "Brian was our leader, and we loved him... He cared deeply about his Phi Delt brothers, his family, Michigan State University, and Phi Delta Theta. We will greatly miss Brian and mourn his death deeply as our chapter supports each other during this difficult time."

Alexandria Verner graduated from Clawson High School in 2020 and was a junior at Michigan State University. She was an athlete studying biology, with plans to study forensic science. Billy Shellenbarger, the superintendent of Clawson Public Schools, said: "She was a tremendous student, athlete, leader and exemplified kindness every day of her life!... If you knew her, you loved her, and we will forever remember the lasting impact she has had on all of us."

The number of injured

On February 13, 2023, a gunman opened fire at Michigan State University, killing three students and wounding five others. The five injured students were in critical condition at Sparrow Hospital, with four requiring surgical intervention.

The injured students were showing signs of improvement by February 16, and by February 23, one of them had been discharged from the hospital. Four students remained hospitalised in various conditions.

The injured students included Nate Statly, who was in critical condition, and Guadalupe Huapilla-Pérez, who was recovering from serious injuries.

The police response

The Michigan State University Police Department and Public Safety officers were the first to respond to the shooting. They received the first report of shots fired at 8:18 p.m. ET from Berkey Hall, an academic building on the northern end of campus. Officers arrived at the building within minutes and found several shooting victims, including two who died at the scene.

A second shooting was reported shortly afterward at the nearby MSU Union building, a popular gathering spot for students. The third victim was found there.

Hundreds of officers from different agencies including the East Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police, responded to the active shooter situation. They scoured the large campus, which spans over 5,200 acres, for the suspect, who was described as a short Black man with red shoes, a jean jacket, and a ball cap.

About three hours after the shooting, the suspect, 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae, was located off-campus in East Lansing, Michigan, by local law enforcement officers. McRae died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being confronted by police.

A search warrant was executed at McRae's residence, and a weapon was recovered, although it is unclear if it was the gun used in the shooting.

The MSU Police Department and Public Safety and other law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the shooting, with no known motive yet identified.

The aftermath

In the wake of the Michigan State University shooting, a sense of shock and grief engulfed the campus community. The shooting, which claimed the lives of three students and left five others critically injured, cast a dark shadow over the university, prompting an outpouring of emotions and a search for answers.

As the news of the tragedy spread, students, faculty, and staff at Michigan State University struggled to come to terms with the horrific events that had unfolded. Many were left reeling, trying to make sense of the senseless act of violence that had shattered their sense of safety and security. The campus, usually bustling with activity, fell into an eerie silence as classes, sports, and other activities were cancelled for 48 hours to allow the community time to grieve and process the trauma.

The shooting sparked an outpouring of emotions, with students sharing their experiences of fear and confusion during the lockdown and manhunt. Some recalled the terror of hiding in classrooms and cars, unsure if the gunman was still at large. Others spoke of the heart-wrenching moments when they fled for their lives or helped classmates escape through windows. The sense of vulnerability and loss hung heavy in the air as students grappled with the reality of their campus being the latest site of a deadly mass shooting.

The university administration, led by Interim President Teresa Woodruff, sprang into action to provide support and resources for the grieving community. Counselling services were made available to students, faculty, and staff, offering a lifeline to those struggling to cope with the aftermath of the shooting. The university also coordinated with law enforcement to assist students in retrieving belongings left behind during the chaotic escape from the scene.

The shooting also triggered a broader conversation about gun violence in the United States, with Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer lamenting, "This is a uniquely American problem." The tragedy added to a growing list of mass shootings across the country, prompting calls for action to address the issue. President Joe Biden, in a speech, echoed the sentiments, stating, "We have to do something to stop the gun violence that's ripping apart our communities."

As the days passed, the university community began the slow process of healing. Vigils and memorials were held to honour the lives lost and to provide solace to those left behind. The names and stories of the victims—Arielle Anderson, Alexandria Verner, and Brian Fraser—were shared, celebrating their dreams, accomplishments, and the impact they had on those around them. The outpouring of support and the sharing of memories served as a testament to the resilience of the community.

While the immediate aftermath was marked by shock and sorrow, it also laid the foundation for a long journey of recovery and reflection. The Michigan State University community, bound by shared trauma, found solace in unity and the collective desire to emerge stronger from the tragedy.

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