On Monday evening, a gunman opened fire in an academic hall of Michigan State University, leaving three people dead and five people injured, some with life-threatening wounds as reported by The Detroit News.
The five wounded victims were quickly sent to Sparrow Hospital for treatment.
Police released images of the suspected shooter while he was still at large. The suspect was described as a short Black male with black pants, a blue jacket, and red shoes.
At about 12:30 am local time authorities located the suspect off campus. According to the Michigan State University Police he had taken his own life with a gunshot wound. Consequently, there is no longer a danger to the campus and the shelter-in-place order has been rescinded.
The shooting began at 8:18 p.m. in Berkey Hall, which is part of the university’s Department of Sociology. Soon after, MSU issued a “shelter-in-place” order, warning students to find safety and barricade themselves.
According to reports the gunman then proceeded to the MSU Union and fired shots, prompting emergency personnel to respond.
Ben Finkelstein, a senior at MSU, reported that he was under his bed hiding after hearing two faint shots earlier. He expressed his fear to Fox News Digital and said, “I’ve never been more afraid than I am now. I’m shaking.”
MSU has canceled all classes for the next two days and has urged students not to come to campus on Tuesday.
Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, ATF, and Michigan State Police, were on-site to assist.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Debbie Stabenow tweeted their support for the Spartan community.
Governor Whitmer tweeted, “I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Michigan State University.” She added, “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.”
With an enrollment of more than 50,000 students, Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI.