Mass Shooting At Michigan State University – 3 Students Killed, 5 Injured; Gunman Confirmed Dead + Shooter’s Dad Speaks Out

Tragedy strikes Michigan State University as a mass shooting leaves three dead and five injured after a gunman opened fire Monday night on the school’s campus. The shooter, who was later identified as Anthony Dwayne McRae, took his own life after a manhunt that left students and staff in fear and seeking refuge. The shocking and disturbing details inside…

 

As the nation reels from yet another school shooting, Michigan State University was the site of a deadly attack on Monday night that resulted in the loss of three lives and left five more injured. All eight of the victims are students.

A massive manhunt for the shooter ensued, before he ultimately took his own life miles away, leaving students and staff to hide in fear as the night progressed.

The incident occurred in two locations: Berkey Hall, an academic building, and the nearby MSU Union, a popular eating and studying spot.

 

The shooter, identified as 43-year-old Anthony Dwayne McRae (pictured above), who was not connected to the university, ultimately died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. The East Lansing campus, home to 50,000 students, was put on lockdown for several hours as students and others sought safety.

“This truly has been a nightmare we’re living tonight,” said Chris Rozman, interim deputy chief of the campus police department.

A massive manhunt was conducted by hundreds of law enforcement officers on the East Lansing campus, located approximately 90 miles northwest of Detroit, for a suspect described as a Black male of short stature, wearing red shoes, a denim jacket, and a baseball cap.

According to police, a tip from a vigilant caller led them to close in on Michigan State University shooting suspect.

“Because of our quick release of the photograph from the campus security cameras and the help from our community, it was a caller’s tip that led law enforcement to that suspect in the city of Lansing,” said Chris Rozman, MSU interim police deputy chief. “We cannot thank the public, and the community, and the person who called in that report enough for being observant, for following our messaging, and being vigilant and contacting us immediately,” he said.

The shooting suspect faced police off campus before ultimately taking his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Rozman. It’s reported McCrae had several previous gun charges and a Facebook page a, which was deactivated, filled with religious and incel-like content. His father reportedly called for a welfare check on him a week ago.

As of the time of this post, there is no motive and police say the suspect had no ties to the school.

“We have absolutely no idea what the motive was at this point,” Chris Rozman of the Michigan State University Police said at Tuesday morning’s briefing. “We can confirm that the 43-year-old suspect had no affiliation to the university. He was not a student, faculty, or staff, current or previous,” Rozman said.

”That’s an unknown right now. That’s what we’re trying to understand, why this incident occurred. We don’t have an answer right now and that’s the honest truth,” he added.

We are sad to report that the niece of reality star Deelishis was one of the victims.

Deelishis shared that her 19-year-old niece, Arielle, was missing after the mass shooting at MSU where she was a student. A little while later, she pinned a comment from a woman who says she’s Arielle’s aunt, that confirmed Arielle was one of the three fatalities. She was in one of the classrooms the shooter entered.

The names of all the victims will be released at a later time.

Watch the press conference below:

Following the shooting at Michigan State University, the gunman’s father has shed some light on the man’s recent behavior and decline after the death of his mother. In an NBC News interview, Michael McRae stated that his son, Anthony McRae, who was 43 years old, had become bitter, mean and evil after his mother died of a stroke on Sept. 13, 2020.

The elder McRae said his son quit his job and became a recluse, staying in his room all day and grieving deeply. The father couldn’t confirm why the campus was targeted, but speculated that his son may have been attempting to apply for a job there.

The father, who was married to Linda for 45 years, said he tried to encourage his son to apply for jobs, seek counseling and attend church with him.

“I said, ‘Talk to daddy. Let me know if something is on your mind. If you need help, I’ll get you help,'” the father said. “He said, ‘I’m OK, dad, I don’t need help.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement on the deadly shooting at MSU.

“Our Spartan community and Michiganders across the state are devastated. MSU’s campus is a special place for so many, and it is now the site of another senseless act of gun violence. Parents across Michigan were on pins and needles calling their kids to check in on them and tell them they love them.

“It doesn’t have to be this way.

“Certain places are supposed to be about community, learning, or joy—elementary schools and college campuses, movie theaters and dance halls, grocery stores and workplaces. They should not be the sites of bloodshed.

“This is a uniquely American problem. Too many of us scan rooms for exits when we enter them. We plan who that last text or call would go to. We should not, we cannot, accept living like this.

“I want to thank the first responders for their swift actions on the ground tonight and the medical professionals who are working to save lives.

“Spartans will cry and hold each other a little closer. We will mourn the loss of beautiful souls and pray for those fighting for their lives in the hospital.”

Due to the campus shooting, Michigan State University has postponed its men’s basketball game against Minnesota, which was originally set for Wednesday night. All campus activities have been canceled for the next 48 hours, according to Chris Rozman from MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety.

In response to the mass shooting, The Rock, an iconic monument on Michigan State University’s campus, was painted black with the phrase “How many more?” written in red on its face. Students and organizations regularly paint The Rock to promote events or memorialize individuals. The message “Stay Safe MSU” was also included.

One MSU student survived the Sandy Hook mass shooting where her first grad teacher was killed. The21-year-old has survived two mass shootings at school.

Tragic.

The FBI and Michigan State University Department of Police are asking the public to submit photos or videos related to the shooting on Michigan State University’s campus via an online form.

According to the MSU Police, there will not be another media briefing today. The next briefing will take place later this week.

In the wake of such a tragic event, our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and those who were injured in the shooting at Michigan State University. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to all those affected by this senseless act of violence.

Photos: EQRoy/Shutterstock