Madison Meeks – Opinion Editor

mvm7037@psu.edu

On Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, a tragic event happened on the campus of Michigan State. The usually busy night streets turned silent as students, staff, and faculty sheltered in place. A gunman opened fire in two buildings, taking three lives while critically wounding five others.

The Attack

Students, faculty and staff had to shelter in place for hours, most of them in the dormitories and other buildings on the huge campus, while waiting for the hundreds of police officers to track down the gunman. It has been revealed by authorities that the gunman first opened fire in Berkey Hall, which is the home of the university’s College of Social Science, shortly before 8:30 p.m. Two students were killed when the gunman opened fire in Berkey Hall, said Chris Rozman, the interim deputy university police chief, during a conference on Tuesday, Feb. 14.

Rozman also stated that the gunman then moved to the student union building on the campus. The university’s student union is a popular place for students to eat and study. It has been revealed that the third person was killed in the student union building. The authorities revealed that the gunman got into the buildings because both were unlocked and opened to the public. The university had sent out an email telling everyone on the campus to either shelter in place or evacuate the two buildings. 

The Victims 

The three victims who were killed in the tragedy have been identified. The state police have identified two victims as Brian Frazer, 20, a sophmore, and Alexandria Verner, 20, a junior at the university. The third victim was identified by the school as Arielle Diamond Anderson, age 19. 

All of the eight victims were students at the university. Most of the wounded students are in critical condition while some of the others are now in stable condition. According to CBS News, Verner was studying integrated biology and anthropology. Frazer was the president of the Michigan State chapter of Phi Delta Theta. Anderson was described as “kind, loving, caring, and compassionate” by her grandmother April Davis. 

The Suspect

According to The New York Times, “the gunman was identified as Anthony McRae, 43, and Chief Rozmen said he was not affiliated with the university.” Authorities have stated that an anonymous tip had led them to the suspect, and they recovered two weapons. At this time there are no more details about the weapons released other than that the weapons are in police custody. McRae was previously arrested in 2019 and charged with carrying a concealed pistol without a permit as stated by the police. 

The gunman’s father, who is cooperating with police, has stated that his son had been very angry since his mother’s death in 2020. The gunman’s father also stated that his son was not diagnosed with any mental health problems and was not on medication. According to CNN, the police have found ammunition, two weapons, and a list of other targets that the gunman planned to attack. 

What Happens Next?

According to investigators, they will continue to investigate the tragic shooting. While it has not been stated when the three victims killed in the shooting will be laid to rest, the university has held a memorial service to remember the victims of the attack.