2023 Michigan State University shooting#Memorials and vigils

{{Infobox civilian attack

| title = 2023 Michigan State University shooting

| image = 2023 Michigan State University shooting-1.jpg

| caption = North side of the MSU Union with police tape the day after the shooting

| location = Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, U.S.

| date = {{Start date and age|2023|02|13}}

| time-begin = 8:18 p.m

| time-end = 12:27 a.m.

| timezone = EST

| target = Students at Michigan State University

| type = Mass shooting, triple murder, murder–suicide, school shooting

| weapons = * Taurus G3 9mm handgun

Hi-Point C-9 9mm handgun (unused){{cite web|url= https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/msu-public-safety-releases-slew-of-new-details-in-shooting-investigation |title=MSU Public Safety releases slew of new details in shooting investigation |date=April 27, 2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023}}

| fatalities = 4 (including the perpetrator)

| injuries = 5

| perp = Anthony Dwayne McRae

| motive = Unknown

| map = {{Infobox mapframe |coord={{Coord|42.73304|-84.47744}} |frame-width=250 |zoom=15}}

}}

On Monday, February 13, 2023, a mass shooting occurred in two buildings on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing. Three students were killed and five others injured. The gunman, 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when he was confronted by police off campus three hours later.

In the aftermath of the shooting, classes at MSU were canceled for the remainder of the week, and they were relocated from the two buildings where the shootings took place for the remainder of the semester. Students and their supporters protested against gun violence at the Michigan State Capitol, and lawmakers promised gun control reforms.

It, along with the Oxford High School shooting, are the worst school shootings in Michigan history.

Shootings

File:2023 Michigan State University shooting-7.jpg

At 7:19{{nbsp}}p.m. EST on February 13, 2023, the gunman, later identified as 43-year-old Anthony McRae, arrived at Michigan State University by bus. From 7:24 to 8:12, he was seen walking eastbound on Grand River Avenue and in front of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum before he entered Berkey Hall on the university's campus. McRae entered Room 114, where Marco Díaz-Muñoz was teaching, and fired repeatedly into the classroom, hitting seven students, including Arielle Anderson and Alexandria Verner, who were fatally wounded.{{Cite web |last=Agar |first=John |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Michigan State professor recalls horror of 7 students shot in his classroom |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/02/michigan-state-professor-recalls-horror-of-7-students-shot-in-his-classroom.html |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=MLive |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=House |first=Kelly |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Michigan State professor details terror of mass shooting in Room 114 {{!}} Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-state-professor-details-terror-mass-shooting-room-114 |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=Bridge Michigan |language=en}} Díaz-Muñoz tried to hold the door to the classroom shut while his students took shelter and broke windows to evacuate. Some students escaped through the broken windows, while others stayed to help their injured classmates, putting pressure on wounds and fashioning a tourniquet from a belt. Díaz-Muñoz estimated that police arrived 10 to 15 minutes after the shooting.

At 8:18, Ingham County police received a 9-1-1 call of shots being fired at Berkey Hall. Officers were dispatched a minute later and arrived another minute later at 8:20.{{Cite web |last = King |first = Chris |date = February 14, 2023 |title = At least five injured in mass shooting incident at Michigan State University |url = https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/02/14/breaking-at-least-five-injured-in-mass-shooting-incident-at-michigan-state-university/ |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = Euro Weekly News |language = en-GB |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214022726/https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/02/14/breaking-at-least-five-injured-in-mass-shooting-incident-at-michigan-state-university/ |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last = Mose |first = Hannah |title = Police: Shots fired at MSU |url = https://www.wnem.com/2023/02/14/police-shots-fired-msu/ |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = WNEM |date = February 14, 2023 |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214021604/https://www.wnem.com/2023/02/14/police-shots-fired-msu/ |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last = Salahieh |first = Nouran |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Multiple injuries reported after shots fired at Michigan State University, prompting shelter-in-place orders amid search for suspect, campus police say |url = https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/13/us/michigan-state-university-shots-fired/index.html |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = CNN |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214023706/https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/13/us/michigan-state-university-shots-fired/index.html |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=February 14, 2023 |title='Shelter in place immediately' - Shots fired at Michigan State University |url=https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/14/shelter-place-shots-fired-michigan-state-university/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214025941/https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/14/shelter-place-shots-fired-michigan-state-university/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=WILX |language=en}} MSU officials sent an alert tweet and text. Students were directed to "run, hide, fight."{{Cite web |last1=Moran |first1=Darcie |last2=Egan |first2=Paul |last3=Jesse |first3=David |last4=Lawler |first4=Emily |last5=Sahouri |first5=Andrea May |title=Suspect dead, 3 killed, 5 injured in Michigan State shooting: What we know |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/13/michigan-state-shooting-what-we-know-about-shots-fired-on-campus/69901251007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214073455/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/13/michigan-state-shooting-what-we-know-about-shots-fired-on-campus/69901251007/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press}} A shelter-in-place order was subsequently issued.{{Cite web |last1=Sinnenberg |first1=Jackson |date=February 13, 2023 |title=3 dead, 5 critically injured in Michigan State shooting; gunman found dead |url=https://abcnews4.com/news/nation-world/shots-reportedly-fired-at-michigan-state-university-mass-shooting-gun-violence-gun-control-east-lansing-mitten-police-security-gun-safety-college-education |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214023038/https://abcnews4.com/news/nation-world/shots-reportedly-fired-at-michigan-state-university-mass-shooting-gun-violence-gun-control-east-lansing-mitten-police-security-gun-safety-college-education |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=WCIV |language=en}}

McRae left Berkey Hall and walked westbound along Grand River Avenue, firing a single gunshot outside the Human Ecology Building at 8:23. He arrived at the front of the MSU Union building at 8:24, where he killed student Brian Fraser.{{Cite web |last=Dodge |first=Samuel |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Doctor breaks down in tears during emotional discussion of MSU mass shooting |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/02/doctor-breaks-down-in-tears-during-emotional-discussion-of-msu-mass-shooting.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214170840/https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/02/doctor-breaks-down-in-tears-during-emotional-discussion-of-msu-mass-shooting.html |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=mlive |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Mauger |first1=Craig |last2=Aimery |first2=Jakkar |last3=LeBlanc |first3=Beth |date=February 14, 2023 |title=3 killed, 5 wounded at Michigan State campus shooting; suspect dead |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/13/msu-reports-shots-fired-on-campus-east-lansing/69901198007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214030253/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/13/msu-reports-shots-fired-on-campus-east-lansing/69901198007/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}} The first report of shots fired at the Union building was made at 8:26. At the same time, McRae left the north side of the Union, near the campus border. Officers responded to the Union building a minute later. At 8:30 and 8:31, two campuswide alerts were issued, advising people to shelter in place. East Lansing residents living near the campus were also asked to shelter in place.

There was a coordinated effort of local, state, and federal law enforcement with hundreds of officers assisting,{{Cite web |last = Carr |first = Brandon |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Shots fired on Michigan State University campus; police ask everyone to shelter in place |url = https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/02/14/shots-fired-on-michigan-state-university-campus-police-ask-everyone-to-shelter-in-place/ |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = WDIV |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214021728/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/02/14/shots-fired-on-michigan-state-university-campus-police-ask-everyone-to-shelter-in-place/ |url-status = live }} as well as other emergency services. Approximately 30 fire engines, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles were present by the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. At 10:04, McRae's description was provided in a third campuswide alert; at 11:18, campus police shared a photo of McRae on social media.

At 11:35, Ingham County police received a 9-1-1 call of a person matching the gunman's description walking off-campus on Lake Lansing Road, near High Street, in Lansing. At 11:49, officers arrived at the scene and found McRae, who fatally shot himself in the head during the confrontation.{{Cite web |last=McBride |first=Jessica |date=2023-02-14 |title=Anthony McRae, MSU Suspect: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know |url=https://heavy.com/news/anthony-mccrae/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Heavy Sports |language=en-US}} At 12:20, campus police confirmed McRae's death, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted seven minutes later. An investigation found that McRae was armed with two 9mm handguns: a Hi-Point C-9 purchased in September 2021 and a Taurus G3 purchased in October 2021. Both guns were legally purchased but not registered. A total of 18 rounds were fired on campus, all from the Taurus: 14 at Berkey Hall, one outside the Human Ecology Building, and three at the Union building. McRae was also carrying eleven additional magazines for both guns, along with 136 rounds of loose ammunition.

Victims

Eight people were shot, resulting in three dead and five injured. All of the victims of the shooting were Michigan State students.{{Cite web |last = Dawson |first = Gabrielle |date = February 14, 2023 |title = MSU law enforcement release name of shooter, confirm victims were students |url = https://wwmt.com/news/local/michigan-state-university-law-enforcement-mass-shooting-students-police-teresa-woodruff-east-lansing-press-conference |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195155/https://wwmt.com/news/local/michigan-state-university-law-enforcement-mass-shooting-students-police-teresa-woodruff-east-lansing-press-conference |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = WWMT |language = en }} Three were killed: Arielle Diamond Anderson, a junior from Grosse Pointe, Michigan (and the niece of Chandra Davis); Brian Fraser, a sophomore and Phi Delta Theta chapter president from Grosse Pointe; and Alexandria Verner, a junior from Clawson, Michigan.{{Cite web |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Police identify 2 of the students killed in MSU mass shooting |url = https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = CNN |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195156/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last=Hurley |first=Bevan |date=February 14, 2023 |title=MSU shooting: What we know about the three Michigan State University victims |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/msu-shooting-victims-alexandria-verner-brian-fraser-arielle-anderson-b2282164.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214210842/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/msu-shooting-victims-alexandria-verner-brian-fraser-arielle-anderson-b2282164.html |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64643042 |title = Victims identified in Michigan State University shooting |last = Halpert |first = Madeline |work = BBC News |date = February 15, 2023 |publisher = British Broadcasting Company |access-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215050644/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64643042 |url-status = live }}

Another five students were injured in the shooting.{{Cite news |last1 = Lada |first1 = Sophia |last2 = Schmall |first2 = Emily |last3 = Tumin |first3 = Remy |last4 = Easter |first4 = Sam |last5 = Ives |first5 = Mike |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Shooting at Michigan State University: Update from Remy Tumin |newspaper = The New York Times |url = https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/02/13/us/michigan-state-shooting |access-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214033441/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/02/13/us/michigan-state-shooting |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last1 = Mauger |first1 = Craig |last2 = Aimery |first2 = Jakkar |last3 = LeBlanc |first3 = Beth |title = 3 killed, 5 wounded at Michigan State campus shooting; suspect dead |url = https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/13/msu-reports-shots-fired-on-campus-east-lansing/69901198007/ |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = The Detroit News |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214030253/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/13/msu-reports-shots-fired-on-campus-east-lansing/69901198007/ |url-status = live }} Four of the five injured victims required surgery, and one was taken directly to the ICU.{{Cite web |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Nearly all of the injured MSU students required surgery, doctor says |url = https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = CNN |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195156/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |url-status = live }} All five were in critical condition.{{Cite web |date = February 14, 2023 |title = 3 students killed in mass shooting at Michigan State University |url = https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = CNN |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195156/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |url-status = live }} By February 21, one of the victims had been upgraded from critical to stable condition{{Cite web |last=Goretzka |first=Drew |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Injured MSU shooting victim upgraded to stable condition |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/injured-msu-shooting-victim-upgraded-to-stable-condition |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} and two students had been upgraded to serious condition.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/19/us/michigan-state-university-shooting-classrooms/index.html|title=3 Michigan State University students remain in critical condition after shooting|work=CNN|first1=Samantha|last1=Beech|first2=Zenebou|last2=Sylla|date=February 21, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/20/msu-michigan-state-shooting-mass-campus-sparrow-school-university-upgraded-serious-but-stable/69923430007/|title=Third MSU student's condition upgraded to serious but stable after shooting|work=The Detroit News|first=Kara|last=Berg|date=February 20, 2023}}

One injured victim was Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez, a junior from Immokalee, Florida.{{Cite web |last1=Spohn |first1=Sarah |last2=Day |first2=Lucas |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Today in East Lansing: Vigils, Support Systems, Closures |url=https://eastlansinginfo.news/today-in-east-lansing-vigils-support-systems-closures/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215232146/https://eastlansinginfo.news/today-in-east-lansing-vigils-support-systems-closures/ |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=East Lansing Info |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Gibbon |first=Lauren |date=February 15, 2023 |title=MSU shooting victims: Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez identified by family |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/msu-shooting-victims-guadalupe-huapilla-perez-identified-family |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=Bridge Michigan |language=en}} Two others who were injured were Chinese international students{{Cite web |last=Witsil |first=Frank |date=16 February 2023 |title=2 of the 5 injured in Michigan State shooting are students from China, reports say |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/16/michigan-state-injured-victims-chinese-students/69909699007/ |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}{{cite web |last1=Hermani |first1=Jordyn |url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/02/2-wounded-in-msu-shooting-are-students-from-china-consulate-says.html |title=2 wounded in MSU shooting are students from China, consulate says |website=MLive.com|date=February 16, 2023}} Hanyang Tao{{cite news|url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/06/three-more-shooting-victims-file-intent-to-sue-michigan-state-university|title=Three more shooting victims file intent to sue Michigan State University|first=Jaden |last=Beard|date=

June 23, 2023|work=The State News}} and Yukai "John" Hao; Hao was paralyzed from the chest down.{{Cite web |last=Mackay |first=Hannah |date=2023-02-18 |title=MSU shooting victim paralyzed from chest down; fundraiser started |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/18/msu-shooting-victim-paralyzed-from-chest-down-fundraiser-started/69918912007/ |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Woehrle |first=Hannah |date=2023-02-18 |title=GoFundMe organized for international student paralyzed in Monday's shooting |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/gofundme-organized-for-international-student-paralyzed-in-mondays-shooting |access-date=2023-02-19 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} Another injured student, junior Nate Statly, from Hartland, was identified by his family, who set up a GoFundMe account. Statly was shot in the head; his brother characterized him as "fighting hard to survive".{{cite web|title=Michigan State mass shooting victim 'fighting hard to survive,' brother says on GoFundMe|date=February 22, 2023|first=John|last=Agar|work=MLive|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/02/michigan-state-mass-shooting-victim-fighting-hard-to-survive-brother-says-on-gofundme.html}}

On February 23, another one of the victims, music student Troy Forbush, a graduate of Okemos High School, was released from the hospital.{{cite news|title=MSU shooting: fourth victim identified, discharged from hospital|date=February 27, 2023|first=Isabel|last=Lohman|work=Bridge Michigan|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/msu-shooting-fourth-victim-identified-discharged-hospital}}{{cite news|title=Okemos High School graduate injured in MSU shooting thanks doctors, vows to enact change|work=WILX News 10|date=February 27, 2023|url=https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/27/okemos-high-school-graduate-injured-msu-shooting-released-hospital/}} Of the four remaining students in the hospital, one remained in critical condition, two were in serious condition, and one was in stable condition.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/02/1-of-5-michigan-state-students-wounded-in-mass-shooting-leaves-hospital.html|title=1 of 5 Michigan State students wounded in mass shooting leaves hospital|work=MLive|date=February 23, 2023|first=John|last=Agar}} On March 3, two more of the injured students were released from the hospital, leaving one student still in critical condition and the other in fair condition.{{cite news|title=Michigan State shooting victims: Two more students released from hospital|date=March 3, 2023|first=Isabel|last=Lohman|work=Bridge Michigan|url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-state-shooting-victims-two-more-students-released-hospital}}

= Aftermath =

In May 2023, paralyzed student John Hao was able to attend an NBA playoff game, in his wheelchair, as a guest of Philadelphia 76ers player James Harden. Harden, upon hearing of Hao's injuries, had reached out to the student shortly after the shooting, and donated support and money to his recovery.{{cite magazine|title=76ers' James Harden Fulfills Promise to Michigan State Shooting Survivor John Hao|first=JELANI |last=SCOTT|date=May 7, 2023|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2023/05/07/76ers-james-harden-michigan-state-shooting-survivor-john-hao-playoffs}}{{cite news|title=Sixers' James Harden visits with Michigan State shooting victim: Star guard gifts game shoes, dedicates win to his special guest, John Hao, a paralyzed shooting survivor who developed a long-distance bond with Harden|first=Dan |last=Gelston | agency=Associated Press|work=NBA.com|date=May 8, 2023 |url=https://www.nba.com/news/sixers-james-harden-visits-with-michigan-state-shooting-victim}}

In July 2023, the family of injured student Nate Statly shared information about Statly's status. According to the family's lawyer, "fragments of the bullet remain scattered throughout [Statly's] brain. The core of the 9mm bullet remains in the center of his brain.... Statly isn't able to talk, walk, use his arm or leg on the left side of his body or consume whole foods. His right ear and eye are sutured closed, and he has significant and permanent scarring."{{cite news|title=2 students wounded in MSU shooting file notice of intent to sue for damages|first1=Kim |last1=Kozlowski|first2=Kara |last2=Berg|work=The Detroit News|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/06/12/michigan-state-university-shooting-survivors-students-troy-forbush-nate-statly-failure-campus-safety/70314682007/}} Statly, in rehab, faced many long-term challenges, including mobility and sensory impairments. A GoFundMe page had raised over $305,000 for his care, but the family was seeking additional funds for a wheelchair-accessible van and home modifications.{{cite news|title=MSU shooting victim's family seeks help to get wheelchair accessible van|work=The Detroit News|date=July 18, 2023|url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/07/18/msu-shooting-victims-family-seeks-help-to-get-wheelchair-accessible-van/70423465007/}}

In August 2023, the family of injured student Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez shared details of her ongoing recovery six months after the shooting. An initial surgery repaired Huapilla-Perez's abdominal organs, although the removal of her spleen was required. Returning home to Florida brought her emotional relief, but leg nerve damage complicated her recovery. A second surgery in July repaired Huapilla-Perez's colon. The family emphasized healing's non-linearity and asked for continued support.{{cite news|title=Family of shooting survivor Guadalupe Huapilla-Perez shares update on ongoing recovery|first=Amalia |last=Medina|date=August 23, 2023|work=The State News|url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/08/family-of-shooting-survivor-guadalupe-huapilla-perez-shares-update-on-ongoing-recovery}}

Perpetrator

Anthony Dwayne McRae (June 10, 1979 – February 13, 2023), a 43-year-old African-American male who resided in Lansing, was the gunman.{{Cite web |last1=Bronstein |first1=Scott |last2=Tolan |first2=Casey |last3=Devine |first3=Curt |date=2023-02-14 |title=What we know about the Michigan State University gunman |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/us/msu-suspect-gunman-anthony-dwayne-mcrae/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214172132/https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/us/msu-suspect-gunman-anthony-dwayne-mcrae/index.html |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=CNN |language=en}} McRae had no known connection to the university. McRae was born in Bear, Delaware, raised in Trenton, New Jersey,{{Cite web |last1=Jordan Shamus |first1=Kristen |last2=Moran |first2=Darcie |date=February 14, 2023 |title=MSU shooting suspect's older brother telling Detroit Free Press on the suspect's separated life in Delaware, who also grew up in New Jersey |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/2023/02/14/msu-shooting-suspect-identified-3-dead-5-critical/69901802007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214143257/https://www.freep.com/story/news/2023/02/14/msu-shooting-suspect-identified-3-dead-5-critical/69901802007/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}} and moved to Michigan in 2003.{{Cite web |title = Michigan State University Shooter Appears To Have Ties Trenton Area |url = https://midjersey.news/2023/02/14/michigan-state-university-shooter-appears-to-have-ties-trenton-area/ |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = midjersey.news |date = February 14, 2023 |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195156/https://midjersey.news/2023/02/14/michigan-state-university-shooter-appears-to-have-ties-trenton-area/ |url-status = live }}

McRae was arrested in June 2019 for carrying a weapon without a concealed pistol license.{{Cite web |last=Chan |first=Melissa |date=February 14, 2023 |title=MSU shooter's father telling that he became "evil and mean" and had multiple anger issues after the passing of his mother from a stroke in 2020 |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/michigan-state-university-gunman-turned-evil-mean-mothers-sudden-death-rcna70579 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214154749/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/michigan-state-university-gunman-turned-evil-mean-mothers-sudden-death-rcna70579 |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=NBC News}} Initially charged with a felony, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor unlawful possession of a loaded firearm as part of a plea agreement in November 2019.{{Cite web |last1 = Snell |first1 = Robert |last2 = LeBlanc |first2 = Beth |last3 = Mauger |first3 = Craig |date = February 14, 2023 |title = MSU shooter Anthony McRae pleaded guilty to gun charge in 2019 |url = https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/msu-shooter-anthony-mcrae-a-convicted-felon-with-weapons-history/69901983007/ |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = The Detroit News |language = en-US |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214151246/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/msu-shooter-anthony-mcrae-a-convicted-felon-with-weapons-history/69901983007/ |url-status = live }} He was originally sentenced to twelve months' probation, which was later extended to 18 months, and in May 2021, he was discharged from probation. Because McRae was not convicted of a felony, his ban on possessing weapons ended with the end of his probation.{{Cite web |last1=Yan |first1=Holly |last2=Salahieh |first2=Nouran |date=2023-02-15 |title=The Michigan State University killer was previously charged with a felony but was still able to buy guns. Here's why |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/15/us/michigan-state-university-mass-shooting-wednesday/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215191213/https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/15/us/michigan-state-university-mass-shooting-wednesday/index.html |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=CNN |language=en}}

The decision to allow McRae to plead to a misdemeanor instead of a felony has proven controversial. Former Ingham County prosecutor Carol Siemon was criticized for her decision to limit the use of felony charges for firearms possession.{{Cite web |last=Krause |first=Sheldon |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Police: MSU shooter had 2 guns, 9 magazines when found |url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/02/16/michigan-state-mass-shooting-shooter-anthony-mcrae-two-guns-nine-magazines-when-found/69910030007/ |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=Lansing State Journal |language=en-US}} In response Siemon described the plea deal as standard practice, saying that "nationally, about 95 percent of all criminal charges are resolved by pleas".{{Cite web |last=Yu |first=Yue Stella |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Ex-prosecutor defends gun plea deal in Michigan State shooter case {{!}} Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/ex-prosecutor-defends-gun-plea-deal-michigan-state-shooter-case |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=www.bridgemi.com |language=en}}

McRae's father said his son had anger issues, and, after the death of his mother in 2020, he became reclusive and socially isolated and "started to get evil and mean, and he didn't care about anything anymore." He described his son as "evil angry." According to the father, McRae had worked for about seven years at a warehouse loading trucks but quit his job shortly after his mother's death. McRae's sister, who had not seen McRae since her mother's funeral in 2020, described her brother as socially isolated and hostile, and often transient. At the time of the shooting, McRae lived in his father's home in Lansing, {{convert|5|mi|0}} northwest of MSU's campus.{{Cite web |last=House |first=Kelly |date=2023-02-17 |title=Before Michigan State shootings, killer grew increasingly reclusive, bitter {{!}} Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-state-shootings-killer-grew-increasingly-reclusive-bitter |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=Bridge Michigan |language=en}}

A note found in McRae's possession included threats to MSU, other local businesses including the Meijer warehouse where he had previously been employed,{{Cite web |last1=LeBlanc |first1=Beth |last2=Mackay |first2=Hannah |date=February 16, 2023 |title=MSU gunman felt 'slighted' before shooting on campus, police say |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/16/msu-shooting-update-police-condition-wounded-anthony-macrae/69907629007/ |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}} and two New Jersey public schools.{{cite news |url = https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/us/michigan-state-university-shots-fired-tuesday/index.html |title = The gunman who killed 3 Michigan State students and wounded 5 may have planned to attack New Jersey schools, police say, as heroes helped classmates flee |date = February 14, 2023 |first1 = Holly |last1 = Yan |first2 = Caroll |last2 = Alvarado |first3 = Amanda |last3 = Watts |first4 = Michelle |last4 = Watson |first5 = Nouran |last5 = Salahieh |access-date = February 14, 2022 |website = CNN.com |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214102850/https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/14/us/michigan-state-university-shots-fired-tuesday/index.html |url-status = live }} McRae also claimed to lead a group of 20 people who were involved in his attacks, a claim that was dismissed by a Michigan State Police spokesperson.

In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, an internet hoax that incorrectly identified the perpetrator as "Lynn Dee Walker" spread on social media.{{Cite web |last=Loka |first=Gayathri |date=February 14, 2023 |title=False: The Michigan State University shooting suspect is Lynn Dee Walker. |url=https://www.logically.ai/factchecks/library/ccb810f6 |url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410063753/https://www.logically.ai/factchecks/library/ccb810f6 |archive-date=Apr 10, 2023 |website=Logically |language=en-gb}}{{Cite web |last=Putterman |first=Samantha |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Michigan State University gunman was 43-year-old Anthony McRae, not a 21-year-old named 'Lynn' |url=https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2023/feb/14/facebook-posts/michigan-state-university-gunman-was-43-year-old-a/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214215555/https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2023/feb/14/facebook-posts/michigan-state-university-gunman-was-43-year-old-a/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=PolitiFact |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Spencer |first=Saranac Hale |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Internet Hoax Spreads False ID on Michigan State University Shooter |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2023/02/internet-hoax-spreads-false-id-on-michigan-state-university-shooter/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215011959/https://www.factcheck.org/2023/02/internet-hoax-spreads-false-id-on-michigan-state-university-shooter/ |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=FactCheck.org |language=en-US}}

Aftermath

File:2023 Michigan State University shooting-5.jpg painted as a memorial to victims of the shooting]]

The shelter-in-place order was rescinded following the gunman's death.{{Cite news |last= |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Shooting at Michigan State University: Update from Sophia Lada |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/02/13/us/michigan-state-shooting |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214033441/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/02/13/us/michigan-state-shooting |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |title = Shelter in Place Lifted from East Lansing Public Safety |url = https://nixle.us/E9H3F |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = Nixle |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195156/https://nixle.us/E9H3F |url-status = live }} All MSU activities were canceled for 48 hours,{{Cite web |last1 = Vera |first1 = Amir |last2 = Federico-OMurchú |first2 = Seán |last3 = Renton |first3 = Adam |date = February 14, 2023 |title = All MSU campus activities are canceled for 48 hours, police say |url = https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-13-23/h_793ed161ae4f6230cc97cc9f282d815b |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = CNN |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214052627/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-13-23/h_793ed161ae4f6230cc97cc9f282d815b |url-status = live }} and classes were canceled until the following Monday.{{Cite web |last=Berg |first=Kara |date=February 14, 2023 |title=3 killed, 5 wounded in Michigan State shooting were all students; suspect identified |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/three-killed-five-wounded-in-michigan-state-shooting-were-all-students/69901429007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195156/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/three-killed-five-wounded-in-michigan-state-shooting-were-all-students/69901429007/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}} Classes in Berkey Hall and the Union were relocated for the remainder of the spring semester,{{Cite web |last=Barrett |first=Vivian |date=February 16, 2023 |title=MSU to find new locations for all classes held in Berkey Hall, MSU Union |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/msu-to-find-new-locations-for-all-classes-held-in-berkey-hall-msu-union?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_latest |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} and Berkey Hall was to remain closed for the remainder of the year.{{Cite web |last1=Netter |first1=Dan |last2=Walters |first2=Alex |date=February 16, 2023 |title=University updates on Berkey and Union; law enforcement on shooter motive |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/university-updates-on-berkey-and-union-law-enforcement-on-shooter-motive |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} Undergraduates were given the option to have grades reported as credit/no credit instead of the usual grade for spring semester classes.{{Cite web |last=Kamal |first=Wajeeha |date=2023-02-17 |title=MSU to offer credit/no credit grade reporting for undergraduate classes |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/msu-to-offer-credit-no-credit-grade-reporting-for-undergraduate-classes?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_latest |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=The State News |language=en-us}}

Counseling services were offered to members of the East Lansing and Michigan State communities at Hannah Community Center in East Lansing from February 14,{{Cite web |last=Dreger |first=Alice |date=February 14, 2023 |title=East Lansing Is a City In Grief; Counseling Offered at Hannah |url=https://eastlansinginfo.news/east-lansing-is-a-city-in-grief-counseling-offered-at-hannah/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214210842/https://eastlansinginfo.news/east-lansing-is-a-city-in-grief-counseling-offered-at-hannah/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=East Lansing Info |language=en-US}} with additional on-campus locations being added the following day.{{Cite web |title=Week of February 13, 2023: Crisis Support and Updates {{!}} Counseling & Psychiatric Services {{!}} Michigan State University |url=https://caps.msu.edu/emergency/feb2023crisisresponse/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215232223/https://caps.msu.edu/emergency/feb2023crisisresponse/index.html |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=caps.msu.edu}} East Lansing closed all city offices and canceled a city council meeting on February 14, and continued to operate on a limited basis on February 15. Public schools in East Lansing and neighboring school districts canceled classes on the day after the shooting.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=February 14, 2023 |title=East Lansing, Webberville, Haslett, Lansing schools and more closed Tuesday |url=https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/14/east-lansing-public-schools-closed-tuesday/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214114639/https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/14/east-lansing-public-schools-closed-tuesday/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=WILX News 10}} Schools in Ewing Township, New Jersey were also closed after McRae was found carrying a note threatening two Ewing Public Schools.{{Cite news |title=MSU gunman had a note in his pocket with a threat to two New Jersey schools, officials say |website=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195156/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |archive-date=February 14, 2023}}

= Memorials and vigils =

File:2023 Michigan State University shooting memorial 2.jpg

The Rock was painted to commemorate the victims with "How many more?" written in red paint and flowers were left at both it and the Sparty statue near the football stadium.{{Cite web |last1 = Orner |first1 = Ben |last2 = Slagter |first2 = Martin |last3 = Salisbury |first3 = Danielle |date = February 14, 2023 |title = 'This time it came here': At MSU shooting memorials, students reflect on tragedy |url = https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/02/this-time-it-came-here-at-msu-shooting-memorials-students-reflect-on-tragedy.html |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = mlive |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214223952/https://www.mlive.com/news/2023/02/this-time-it-came-here-at-msu-shooting-memorials-students-reflect-on-tragedy.html |url-status = live }} The following day this was repainted with a pro-gun message "Allow us to defend ourselves & carry on campus". In a break with tradition that the Rock should not be repainted on a single day, this message was painted over and replaced with "To those we lost. To those healing. Brian. Arielle. Alexandria."{{Cite web |last1=Anderson-Torrez |first1=Devin |last2=Dunlap |first2=Miranda |date=February 15, 2023 |title=2 students paint the Rock to honor lives lost in MSU shooting, cover pro-gun message |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/2-students-paint-the-rock-to-honor-lives-lost-in-msu-shooting-cover-pro-gun-message |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215232215/https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/2-students-paint-the-rock-to-honor-lives-lost-in-msu-shooting-cover-pro-gun-message |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} The Rock was painted a third time that day by Detroit-based artist Anthony Lee at the university's request. Lee's artwork included the Spartan logo and the message "Always a Spartan. Brian. Arielle. Alexandria."{{Cite web |last1=Warren |first1=Maddy |last2=Malinowski |first2=Jenna |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Michigan State asks Detroit artist to paint The Rock, fourth time since shooting |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/michigan-state-asks-detroit-artist-to-paint-the-rock-fourth-time-since-shooting |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} Staff from the MSU Herbarium collected and pressed three flowers from the memorial at the Rock as part of the herbarium's role to preserve plants of cultural and historical value.{{Cite web |last1=Anderson-Torrze |first1=Devin |last2=Trofatter |first2=Chloe |date=February 17, 2023 |title=Three flowers for three Spartans: Michigan State Herbarium acts in remembrance |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/michigan-state-herbarium-preserves-flowers-from-vigil |access-date=February 18, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}}

Memorials and vigils for the victims were planned for the victims across Michigan with some also offering the ability to write letters to MSU students or representatives, and interact with comfort dogs.{{Cite web |last=Marini |first=Miriam |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Several vigils, memorials scheduled for victims of MSU shooting |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/memorials-vigils-victims-msu-shooting/69903528007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214210842/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/memorials-vigils-victims-msu-shooting/69903528007/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}} A vigil at the Rock on the evening of February 15 drew thousands of students and community members. Speakers included Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, interim MSU president Teresa Woodruff, basketball coach Tom Izzo, representatives of the Board of Trustees, the Graduate Student Body President, and the Undergraduate Student Body President, Jo Kovach.{{Cite web |last=Walters |first=Alex |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Thousands gather for vigil at The Rock |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/thousands-gather-for-vigil-at-the-rock |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} Vigils were also held at the University of Michigan,{{Cite web |last=Modi |first=Siya |date=February 16, 2023 |title=University of Michigan holds vigil honoring victims and survivors of MSU shooting |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/university-of-michigan-holds-vigil-honoring-those-victims-and-survivors-of-msu-shooting |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} and in Grosse Pointe and Clawson, homes of the murdered students.{{Cite web |last=Soverinsky |first=Melanie |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Grosse Pointe, Clawson community members come together to honor native MSU shooting victims |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/grosse-pointe-clawson-community-members-come-together-to-honor-native-msu-shooting-victims |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} Although the state House of Representatives was not in session, members gathered to recognize the dead and injured, and to honor law enforcement, emergency responders and medical staff who responded to the shooting.{{Cite web |last1=French |first1=Ron |last2=Gardner |first2=Paula |last3=Lohman |first3=Isabel |last4=Oosting |first4=Jonathan |last5=Yu |first5=Yue Stella |last6=Mike |first6=Wilkinson |last7=Gibbons |first7=Lauren |last8=James |first8=Janelle D. |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Michigan State shooting update: Berkey Hall to stay closed all semester; guns legally purchased {{!}} Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-state-shooting-update-berkey-hall-stay-closed-all-semester-guns-legally |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=www.bridgemi.com |language=en}}

University officials created the Spartan Strong Fund to pay medical bills for the survivors of the shooting, and announced that they would cover any shortfall.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mark |date=2023-02-17 |title=Michigan State to funnel donations to medical bills for wounded students |url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2023/02/17/michigan-state-donations-medical-bills-wounded-students-spartan-strong-fund/69917121007/ |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=Lansing State Journal |language=en-US}}

Many student-run organizations raised funds for this charity, including a charity livestream, bake sales, and other fundraising efforts.

Shortly after the shooting, GoFundMe launched a hub of verified fundraisers that would benefit those impacted by the shooting.{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=Gabriel |date=February 15, 2023 |title=GoFundMe launches hub of verified fundraisers for those impacted by MSU shooting |url=https://www.fox17online.com/news/gofundme-launches-hub-of-verified-fundraisers-for-those-impacted-by-msu-shooting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215022312/https://www.fox17online.com/news/gofundme-launches-hub-of-verified-fundraisers-for-those-impacted-by-msu-shooting |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI) |language=en}}

= Gun violence protest =

Michigan State students organized a sit-down protest at the State Capitol on February 15 pushing for legislation and commonsense gun laws.{{Cite web |last1=Oszust |first1=Michael |last2=Skog |first2=Anna |date=February 15, 2023 |title=MSU students hold sit-down protest at Michigan Capitol |url=https://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/msu-students-to-hold-sit-down-protest-at-michigan-capitol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215232137/https://www.woodtv.com/news/michigan/msu-students-to-hold-sit-down-protest-at-michigan-capitol/ |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=WOODTV.com |language=en-US}} Speakers at the rally also included students from Oxford High School, the site of a school shooting in 2021. Maya Manuel, the organizer of the rally, wanted politicians to "understand what's life like in our shoes and to understand how we feel".{{Cite web |last=Nurse |first=Krystal |date=February 15, 2023 |title='I don't want to be a statistic:' Michigan State University students rally at Capitol for safety |url=https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/02/15/michigan-state-mass-shooting-rally-capitol-students/69906094007/ |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=Lansing State Journal |language=en-US}} Students sat cross-legged in front of the Capitol steps, assuming the position they have been trained to adopt in the active-shooter trainings that people of their generation have been trained in through their schooling.{{Cite web |last1=Petty |first1=Dustin DuFort |last2=Day |first2=Lucas |last3=Dreger |first3=Alice |author-link3=Alice Dreger |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Protest and Rally Focus on Gun Violence, Perennial Trauma |url=https://eastlansinginfo.news/protest-and-rally-focus-on-gun-violence-perennial-trauma/ |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=East Lansing Info |language=en-US}} Manuel asked this of the legislators saying "before you act like you understand us, please take a moment to sit with us and to listen to us".{{Cite web |last=Kaur |first=Dina |date=February 15, 2023 |title=MSU students fill steps of Capitol, protesting gun violence |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/msu-students-fill-steps-of-capitol-protesting-gun-violence |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} Legislators present were asked to sit or stand in front of the students.{{Cite web |last=Guiney |first=Lily |date=February 15, 2023 |title=State politicians listen to student demands, promise legislative change following MSU shooting |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/state-politicians-listen-to-student-demands-promise-legislative-change-following-msu-shooting |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The State News |language=en-us}} United States Representative Elissa Slotkin, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, state Senator Winnie Brinks, and state House Speaker Joe Tate were among those in attendance.

Michigan State students and their supporters returned to the Capitol on February 17 for an "End Gun Violence" protest. Ellie Baden, one of the organizers, addressed the crowd and said "we need our elected officials to vow that this cannot and will not happen again". Legislators addressing the crowd included Sam Singh, the Democratic state senator representing East Lansing,{{Cite web |last=Ruble |first=Kayla |date=2023-02-17 |title='They were stolen from us': Grieving MSU students continue push for gun control measures |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/17/grieving-msu-students-continue-push-for-gun-control-measures/69912873007/ |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}} and Julie Brixie, the Democratic state representative for Okemos.{{Cite web |last=Nass |first=Liz |date=2023-02-17 |title='End Gun Violence' protest joins lawmakers, community members |url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/02/end-gun-violence-protest-joins-lawmakers-community-members |access-date=2023-02-18 |website=The State News |language=en-us}}

= Permanent memorial =

According to The Detroit News, Michigan State plans to create a permanent memorial on campus to honor the victims. In June 2023, the school announced that $300,000 from the "Spartan Strong Fund" had already been set aside to finance a memorial.{{cite news|title=Michigan State plans memorial for shooting victims as part of $2M in donations memorial for the MSU shooting victims|date=June 9, 2023|first=Isabel |last=Lohman |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/michigan-state-plans-memorial-shooting-victims-part-2m-donations|work=Bridge Michigan}} A commission composed of students, faculty, staff, and community liaisons, calling itself the Feb. 13 Permanent Memorial Planning Committee, would seek input from the MSU community on ideas for the memorial, with plans to solicit artist proposals by the end of the semester.{{cite news |last=Mackay |first=Hannah |date=8 February 2024 |title=How MSU students and leaders will mark one year after mass shooting |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/02/08/how-msu-students-and-leaders-will-mark-mass-shooting-anniversary/72492831007/ |work=The Detroit News}}

= Lawsuits =

In June 2023, the families of the shooting victims announced they were filing lawsuits against Michigan State University for security failures related to the attack. First to file were survivors Nate Statly and Troy Forbush.{{cite news|title=Survivors of MSU mass shooting to sue Michigan State University|first=Jaden |last=Beard|date=June 12, 2023|work=The State News|url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/06/survivors-of-msu-mass-shooting-to-sue-michigan-state-university}} A few days later, the family of Alexandria Verner announced it was suing the school for failing "to provide proper security on campus".{{cite news|title=Family of MSU shooting victim to sue the university|first=Shamir |last=Owens|date=Jun 15, 2023 |work=WLNS-TV|url=https://www.wlns.com/news/family-of-msu-shooting-victim-to-sue-the-university/}} A week later, lawyers filed a lawsuit against MSU on behalf of Yukai "John" Hao.{{cite news|title=Fourth student shot in mass shooting moves to sue Michigan State University|first=Hannah |last=Holycross|date=June 20, 2023|work=The State News|url=https://statenews.com/article/2023/06/fourth-student-shot-in-mass-shooting-moves-to-sue-michigan-state-university}} Finally, the families of victims Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser, and Hanyang Tao announced they were suing the university for "negligence regarding safety conditions before the shooting, including the lack of classroom doors that could be locked from the inside, the lack of a proper emergency alert system/public address speakers and the lack of an armed security officer, metal detectors or security stations."{{cite news|title=More families of MSU shooting victims to sue university|first1=Kate |last1=Holloway|first2= Josh |last2=Sanchez|date=Jun 23, 2023|work=WLNS-TV|url=https://www.wlns.com/news/more-families-of-victims-from-msu-shooting-sue-university/}}

In December 2023, the university announced it had settled the lawsuits filed against it by the families of the students who had been killed — Alexandria Verner, Brian Fraser, and Arielle Anderson — for $5 million each.{{cite news|title=Family of MSU shooting victim Alexandria Verner reaches $5 million settlement with school|first1=Hilary|last1= Golston|first2= Jack |last2=Nissen|date= December 15, 2023|work=Fox 2 Detroit|url=https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/family-of-msu-shooting-victim-alex-verner-reach-5-million-settlement-with-school}}

Responses

File:Flag at half mast after 2023 Michigan State University shooting 3.jpg

On February 14, the day after the shooting, Whitmer ordered all flags in Michigan to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims.{{Cite news |title=Governor orders flags in Michigan to fly at half-staff |website=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195156/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-14-23/index.html |archive-date=February 14, 2023}} United States President Joe Biden expressed condolences, and called for gun control. Biden noted that he was speaking on the fifth anniversary of the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=February 14, 2023 |title=President Joe Biden releases statement on the shooting at MSU |url=https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/14/president-joe-biden-releases-statement-shooting-msu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230214210842/https://www.wilx.com/2023/02/14/president-joe-biden-releases-statement-shooting-msu/ |archive-date=February 14, 2023 |access-date=February 14, 2023 |website=wilx.com |language=en}}

Whitmer and several Michigan members of Congress expressed condolences. Whitmer also expressed concern about gun violence, calling it a "uniquely American problem" and stated that living with such a potential threat was not sustainable.{{Cite web |last = Johncox |first = Cassidy |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Michigan students live through 2 mass school shootings in under 2 years |url = https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/02/14/michigan-students-live-through-2-mass-school-shootings-in-under-2-years/ |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = WDIV |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195200/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/02/14/michigan-students-live-through-2-mass-school-shootings-in-under-2-years/ |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Shots fired at Michigan State University, multiple injuries, shooter still at large |url = https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/michigan/shots-fired-near-michigan-state-university-east-lansing-campus |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI) |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214032119/https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/michigan/shots-fired-near-michigan-state-university-east-lansing-campus |url-status = live }} Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson described the incident as "unfathomable" and proceeded to call for greater action targeting gun violence.{{Cite web |date = February 14, 2023 |title = "This repetitive terror cannot continue." Michigan secretary of state releases statement on shooting |url = https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-13-23/h_671fb82a291866359798e5f357971b7a |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = CNN |language = en |last1 = Vera |first1 = Amir |last2 = Federico-OMurchú |first2 = Seán |last3 = Renton |first3 = Adam |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214034651/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/michigan-state-university-shooting-updates-2-13-23/h_671fb82a291866359798e5f357971b7a |url-status = live }}

Ingham County government issued a statement saying they were "deeply saddened" by the shooting and thanked emergency responders and healthcare workers. Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail comments on the fact that "gun violence...is complex and deeply rooted in our culture which is why we must take a public health approach".{{Cite web |title = Ingham County Board of Commissioners, Ingham County Health Department Joint Statement on MSU Campus Shooting: Health Department |url = https://hd.ingham.org/About/ArticlesPublications/tabid/3378/ctl/ArticleView/mid/4286/articleId/10798/Ingham-County-Board-of-Commissioners-Ingham-County-Health-Department-Joint-Statement-on-MSU-Campus-Shooting.aspx |access-date = February 15, 2023 |website = hd.ingham.org |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215232137/https://hd.ingham.org/About/ArticlesPublications/tabid/3378/ctl/ArticleView/mid/4286/articleId/10798/Ingham-County-Board-of-Commissioners-Ingham-County-Health-Department-Joint-Statement-on-MSU-Campus-Shooting.aspx |url-status = live }}

Dana Nessel wrote in a statement that "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."{{Cite web |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Nessel Issues Statement on MSU Shooting |url = https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2023/02/13/nessel-issues-statement-on-msu-shooting |access-date = February 15, 2023 |website = Michigan.gov |language = en |last1 = Nessel |first1 = Dana |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214225037/https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2023/02/13/nessel-issues-statement-on-msu-shooting |url-status = live }} She told CNN in an interview that she was "not sure why" McRae's probation had been extended multiple times. She noted that the shooting had left "a lot of unanswered questions. And we're going to be digging deep into this to find out."{{Cite web |last1 = Luscombe |first1 = Richard |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Michigan officials demand answers over gunman's weapons probation |url = https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/14/michigan-shooting-gunman-suspect-weapons-probation |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215035639/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/14/michigan-shooting-gunman-suspect-weapons-probation |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |access-date = February 15, 2023 |website = The Guardian |language = en }}

Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), expressed outrage at the lack of change since the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, saying, "As the representative of Oxford, Michigan, I cannot believe that I am here again doing this 15 months later{{nbs}}[...] And I would say that you either care about protecting kids or you don't." Michigan House of Representatives member Ranjeev Puri released a statement which included the phrase "Fuck your thoughts and prayers."{{Cite web |url = https://www.thedailybeast.com/michigan-state-shooting-state-rep-ranjeev-puri-says-fck-your-thoughts-and-prayers |title = Michigan State Rep. Says 'F*ck Your Thoughts and Prayers' After Mass Shooting |first = Dan |last = Ladden-Hall |date = February 14, 2023 |website = The Daily Beast |access-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215120904/https://www.thedailybeast.com/michigan-state-shooting-state-rep-ranjeev-puri-says-fck-your-thoughts-and-prayers |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last=Couto |first=Sarah Do |date=February 14, 2023 |title='F— your thoughts and prayers,' says Michigan lawmaker after university shooting - National | Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9485539/ranjeev-puri-f-thoughts-prayers-michigan-state-university-shooting/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215134157/https://globalnews.ca/news/9485539/ranjeev-puri-f-thoughts-prayers-michigan-state-university-shooting/ |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=Global News}}{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Mike |date=February 15, 2023 |title='F*** your thoughts and prayers,' Michigan lawmaker says after latest mass shooting |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/f-your-thoughts-and-prayers-michigan-lawmaker-says-after-latest-mass-shooting-3caf42d5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215075350/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/f-your-thoughts-and-prayers-michigan-lawmaker-says-after-latest-mass-shooting-3caf42d5 |archive-date=February 15, 2023 |access-date=February 15, 2023 |website=MarketWatch}}

Many students and parents expressed their fear and anxiety about the shooting and trying to find out friends and loved ones' statuses, stating that it felt surreal and unimaginable.{{Cite web |last = Agar |first = John |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Shooting on MSU campus 'surreal' for students who grew up with active-shooter drills |url = https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2023/02/shooting-on-msu-campus-surreal-for-students-who-grew-up-with-active-shooter-drills.html |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = mlive |language = en |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214075102/https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2023/02/shooting-on-msu-campus-surreal-for-students-who-grew-up-with-active-shooter-drills.html |url-status = live }} Many students also documented their thoughts, experiences, and anger about the shooting through the website Spartan Stronger, which was created by a student to allow students and staff to share their stories.{{Cite web |last=House |first=Kelly |date=February 20, 2023 |title=On 'Spartan Stronger' website, Michigan State students process their grief {{!}} Bridge Michigan |url=https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/spartan-stronger-website-michigan-state-students-process-their-grief |access-date=2023-03-02 |website=www.bridgemi.com |language=en}}

Students of Vanderbilt University criticized the university for sending them an email written with the assistance of ChatGPT, which was prepared in response to the mass shooting incident at Michigan State University; the Vanderbilt students felt that such sensitive statements should be written by humans themselves, not through artificial intelligence.{{cite news|title=Vanderbilt apologizes for using ChatGPT in email on Michigan shooting: Consoling email sent to students after a mass shooting at Michigan State University was written using an AI chatbot|first=Sam|last=Levine|date=22 February 2023|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/22/vanderbilt-chatgpt-ai-michigan-shooting-email}}

= Gun control debate =

Democrats in the Michigan State Senate introduced "nearly [a] dozen" bills focused on gun control and gun safety on February 16. Many of the bills were reportedly drafted in response to the Oxford High School shooting.{{Cite web |last=Hermani |first=Jordyn |date=February 16, 2023 |title=Michigan Senate introduces gun reform bills in wake of MSU shooting |url=https://www.mlive.com/politics/2023/02/michigan-senate-introduces-gun-reform-bills-in-wake-of-msu-shooting.html |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=MLive |language=en}} Prior attempts at gun law reform was blocked by Republicans in 2022 in the aftermath of the Uvalde school shooting, and before that, when gun reform was attempted in the aftermath of the Oxford shooting, but Democrats gained control of both houses of state government in the 2022 elections.{{Cite web |last=Greve |first=Joan E. |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Republicans blocked gun reform laws a year before Michigan State shooting {{!}} Michigan {{!}} The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/feb/15/michigan-state-shooting-republicans-blocked-gun-reform-laws |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=The Guardian}} Nineteen days before the MSU shooting, Whitmer had criticized the state legislature for failing to pass gun laws after the Oxford High School shooting and called for the passage of universal background checks, safe storage laws, and extreme-risk protection orders.{{Cite news |last=Itkowitz |first=Colby |date=February 14, 2023 |title=Whitmer, other Democrats pushed for stronger gun laws before MSU shooting |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/02/14/gun-laws-michigan-state-shooting/ |access-date=February 16, 2023}}

= Connections to other shootings =

Some students who were on campus at the time of the shooting were impacted by other mass shootings; one had been at Oxford High School during the 2021 shooting, while another had FaceTimed with friends in Oxford High School while at another school, and another student had been put on lockdown at a different school in Newtown, Connecticut, during the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.{{cite web |last1 = Altavena |first1 = Lily |title = Michigan State University student: I survived Sandy Hook, now this shooting |url = https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/michigan-state-univeristy-shooting-student-jackie-matthews-sandy-hook-newtown-tiktok/69902925007/ |website = The Detroit Free Press |access-date = February 14, 2023 |date = February 14, 2023 |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214195207/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/michigan-state-univeristy-shooting-student-jackie-matthews-sandy-hook-newtown-tiktok/69902925007/ |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last = Baldas |first = Tresa |date = February 14, 2023 |title = Ex-Oxford student relives horror at MSU: 'Mom — get me out of here' |url = https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/oxford-high-school-student-endures-michigan-state-shooting/69901425007/ |access-date = February 14, 2023 |website = Detroit Free Press |language = en-US |archive-date = February 14, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230214085149/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/02/14/oxford-high-school-student-endures-michigan-state-shooting/69901425007/ |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |url = https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/jackie-matthews-sandy-hook-michigan-state-shooting-17784493.php |title = Connecticut's Jackie Matthews endured Sandy Hook and now Michigan State shootings |first = Caroline |last = Tien |date = February 14, 2023 |website = NewsTimes |access-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-date = February 15, 2023 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230215081307/https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/jackie-matthews-sandy-hook-michigan-state-shooting-17784493.php |url-status = live }}{{Cite web |last1=Rosenblatt |first1=Kalhan |last2=Li |first2=David |last3=Aggarwal |first3=Mithil |date=February 14, 2023 |title=From Oxford High to MSU, students cope with horror of repeated school shootings |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/oxford-high-msu-students-cope-horror-repeated-school-shootings-rcna70576 |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=NBC News |language=en}}