The suspect in a shooting spree at Michigan State University that left three people dead and five others in critical condition is dead from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said early Tuesday morning.
MSU Interim Deputy Police Chief Chris Rozman said there is no longer an active threat because police are confident there was only one shooter. The shelter-in-place order was lifted when the suspect was located outside of the MSU campus dead.
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Police referred to the situation as “a nightmare” but said they’re “relieved to no longer have an active threat.” Rozman said they are not able to confirm personal information about the victims, and he said he recognizes a lot of healing will need to take place for the MSU community.
Police described the suspect Monday night as a shorter black man in red shoes, a jean jacket, and a ball cap. They released photos of him that showed him appearing to have a backpack on.
Rozman later confirmed that the suspect was a 43-year-old man with no affiliation with the university. “We have no idea why he came to campus,” Rozman said, adding that the suspect’s motive is part of their investigation.
SUSPECT PHOTOS: The suspect is a Black male, shorter in stature, red shoes, jean jacket, wearing a baseball cap that is navy with a lighter brim. pic.twitter.com/9blppnX5U3
— MSU Police and Public Safety (@msupolice) February 14, 2023
The first shooting occurred at about 8:15 p.m. Monday, Rozman said, when police received 911 calls of a shooting inside a university hall. Police arrived within minutes and found several gunshot victims before getting new emergency calls of another shooting in a nearby building. It is unclear as of early Tuesday what kind of weapon(s) was used.
“MSU Police report shots fired incident occurring on or near the East Lansing campus. Secure-in-Place immediately. Run, Hide, Fight,” a text message and email to students said, according to the Lansing State Journal.
Rozman commended students for their quick reactions once the alert was sent out, noting that it likely saved lives. Hundreds of police officers responded to the shooting in pursuit of the suspect.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) confirmed she was briefed on the situation in a tweet Monday night when reports of the shooting broke out.
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“I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Michigan State University. The Michigan State Police along with @msupolice, local law enforcement and first responders are on the ground,” the governor tweeted. “Let’s wrap our arms around the Spartan community tonight. We will keep everyone updated as we learn more.”
I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Michigan State University. The Michigan State Police along with @msupolice, local law enforcement and first responders are on the ground. Let’s wrap our arms around the Spartan community tonight. We will keep everyone updated as we learn more.
— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) February 14, 2023
The university has announced that all campus activities are canceled for the next 48 hours. Rozman said the investigation is only in its beginning stages.
