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Tragedy struck East Lansing, Michigan and Michigan State University on Monday night when a gunman shot and killed three people in addition to leaving five others wounded.
The shooting, which occurred at two locations, began around 8:18 p.m. ET and sent the university and its some 50,000 students into lockdown.
The incident began at Berkey Hall and later continued at the student union.
Police reported that the gunman then fled the campus before killing himself via a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to CNN, police report that they have no motive for the crime and that the shooter was not a student.
“The gunman was a 43-year-old man who was not affiliated with the university, Interim Deputy Chief Chris Rozman said. “We have no idea why he came to campus to do this tonight,” Rozman said. Police have not said whether the victims were students or given their names or ages.
As a result of the incident, Michigan State University shut down its entire campus for the next 48 hours. That includes cancelling the Spartans’ Big Ten men’s basketball contest against Minnesota, which hardly seems relevant in the wake of the tragic shooting.
Well wishes quickly came pouring in from across the college sports world.
Keeping the entire Michigan State community in our hearts this evening. 💚
— Michigan Athletics 〽️ (@UMichAthletics) February 14, 2023
Everyone please stay safe and in place. Our thoughts are with all of you at Michigan State. 🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Juwan Howard (@JuwanHoward) February 14, 2023
I heard about what is happening at Michigan State, and I am sending all of the love and prayers in my heart to the campus. 🙏🏽
If you follow me, and work/attend MSU, please reply and let me know you are safe. Thank you.
— Don Thomas (@REALDonThomas) February 14, 2023
Sending prayers to everyone at Michigan State. I have some very good old coworkers of mine that are alumni. So sick of senseless gun violence in this country. https://t.co/lNqVBgHb51
— Regina Ham (@regina_ham) February 14, 2023
University interim president Teresa Woodruff issued the following statement:
“We want to wrap our warm arms around every family that is touched by this tragedy and give them the peace that passeth understanding in moments like this, we will change over time,” Woodruff said. “We cannot allow this to continue to happen again.”