MSU mass shooting: Suspect's handguns were legally purchased

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

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, 11:56 AM EST

Shock, fear, confusion at Michigan State

At Michigan State, students and staff are overcome with shock, fear and confusion, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor told ABC News’ “GMA3.”

“It's a terrible time. No mayor, no governor, no elected official ever wants to be up all night or wake up to a situation like this,” he said.

Schor said mental health resources are available.

Schor said the five injured students “are critical but stable.”

“It’s touch and go,” he said. “and the doctors are doing their best to work as aggressively as possible.”

Feb 14, 2023, 11:04 AM EST

Suspect had note indicating threat to NJ schools

When the suspect, 43-year-old Anthony McRae, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said there was a note in his pocket indicating a threat to two public schools in Ewing, New Jersey, according to Ewing police.

Police walk around Berkey Hall early on Feb. 14, 2023, on the Michigan State campus in East Lansing, Mich.
Nick King/Lansing State Journal via USA Today

McRae had local ties to Ewing but hasn’t lived in the area in several years, police said.

Ewing Public Schools are closed on Tuesday out of an abundance of caution, police said. However, no threat has been found and schools are expected to reopen on Wednesday, police said.

McRae “had a history of mental health issues,” police added.

Feb 14, 2023, 8:47 AM EST

No motive known

No motive is known, police said. The 43-year-old suspect, Anthony McRae, had no affiliation with MSU, university officials said.

Michigan State University students hug during an active shooter situation on campus on Feb. 13, 2023 in Lansing, Mich.
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Police officers surround a 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

After police released the suspect’s photo, a tip from a caller led authorities to finding him, officials said.

When he was confronted, he took his own life," Lansing Mayor Andy Schor told ABC News’ “GMA3.”

A search warrant has been executed at a home, police said.

Students gather on the campus of Michigan State University after a shelter in place order was lifted early Feb. 14, 2023, in East Lansing, Mich.
Al Goldis/AP

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.”

Sponsored Content by Taboola