EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety (MSU DPPS) has released more information about the deadly campus shooting that left three students dead and five others injured.
The shooting happened Monday, Feb. 13 at 8:18 p.m. 43-year-old gunman Anthony McRae opened fire in a classroom in Berkey Hall on MSU's East Lansing campus. He then walked to the MSU Union and opened fire a second time.
McRae was later found in the Lansing area after his photo and description was released. When police approached him, McRae turned the gun on himself.
Three students—20-year-old Brian Fraser, 19-year-old Arielle Anderson and 20-year-old Alexandria Verner—were killed. Five other students were hospitalized, some in critical condition for several weeks. All injured students have since been released from the hospital.
The updated release from MSU DPPS includes a full timeline of the shooting, additional information about McRae and the investigation into the motive.
SHOOTING TIMELINE RELEASED
Police have now released the full timeline of the shooting. The asterisks indicate information that police learned after the night of the shooting:
*7:19 p.m. – McRae exits bus at Grand River/Berkey Hall bus stop
*7:24 p.m. – McRae walks eastbound on Grand River Ave in front of Broad Art Museum
*7:26 p.m. – McRae walks northeast across Grand River Ave
*8:12 p.m. – McRae walks westbound in front of Broad Art Museum
8:18 p.m. – First shots fired call at Berkey Hall received by Ingham County 911
8:19 p.m. – Officers dispatched to Berkey Hall by Ingham County 911
*8:19 p.m. – McRae is seen walking westbound along Grand River Ave in front of Ramp 6
8:20 p.m. – First officers arrive at Berkey Hall
*8:23 p.m. – McRae fires one shot while walking from Berkey to the Union
*8:24 p.m. – McRae enters the Union
8:26 p.m. – First report of shooting at the Union
*8:26 p.m. – McRae exits the Union and leaves campus
8:27 p.m. – Officers dispatched to the Union by Ingham County 911
8:27 p.m. – Officers arrive at the Union
8:30 p.m. – First MSU Alert sent, instructions given to shelter-in-place
8:31 p.m. – Second MSU Alert sent, instructions given to shelter-in-place
*9:14 p.m. – Person matching description is seen walking northbound on Harrison near Grand River Ave
10:04 p.m. – MSU Alert sent, suspect description given
10:54 p.m. – MSU Alert sent, instructions to monitor alert.msu.edu for more information
11:02 p.m. – First news conference takes place
11:18 p.m. – Photo of McRae shared on MSU DPPS social media
11:33 p.m. – MSU Alert sent, more descriptive suspect description given
11:35 p.m. – Ingham County 911 receives call of person matching the description walking on Lake Lansing Rd near High St in the City of Lansing
11:49 p.m. – Officers approach person matching description and he completes suicide with a gun
12:20 a.m. – MSU DPPS confirms the deceased person matching description as McRae with the public
12:25 a.m. – Second news conference takes place
12:27 a.m. —MSU Alert sent, shelter-in-place lifted
12:28 a.m. — MSU DPPS posts to social media that shelter-in-place is lifted
1:07 a.m. – MSU Alert sent, bus service information for reunification center
1:35 a.m. – Third news conference takes place
8:02 a.m. – Fourth news conference takes place
12:12 p.m. – News release disseminated
Police also included a map showing McRae's estimated route. The map does not show McRae's potential attempts at evading law enforcement.
MOTIVE REMAINS UNCLEAR
Police say there is no clear motive in the shooting. McRae had no connection to MSU and had not applied for employment recently.
Investigators found a note on McRae following his death that depicts his state of mind during the shooting.
The contents of the note contain information and images that may not be suitable for all readers. Discretion is advised.
McRae says in the note he was acting with others, but investigators from MSU DPPS, Michigan State Police and the FBI believe he acted alone, and his claim is unfounded.
Police said two weapons and additional ammunition were also found on McRae. Both weapons were purchased legally, but they were unregistered. Only one weapon, a Taurus G3 9mm handgun, was used during the shooting. No other weapons were found at McRae's home.
It was also determined that McRae had a .04% blood alcohol level and THC in his system at the time of his death.
MOVING FORWARD
The investigation into the shooting is not yet completed. Police say they will release additional information as it becomes available.
Chief of Police Chris Rozman also acknowledged that McRae was located thanks to a tip from the public. Since the shooting, police have investigated 128 tips through email, phone and the media.
“MSU Police and Public Safety is committed to working together with our community to ensure a safe campus for everyone,” said Rozman. “We are always available, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We will continue to heal together as a community and remain Spartan strong.”
Anyone who is struggling with the shooting is encouraged to reach out. MSU has the following resources available for students to use:
- MSU Student Health Services
- General info: 517-884-6526; Nurse on-call: 517-353-9165
- MSU Employee Assistance Program
- EAP is a confidential, free counseling service for employees: 517-355-4506, eap@msu.edu.
- Counseling and Psychiatry Services
- CAPS is the place for students seeking help for a wide range of health concerns.
- MSU Department of Psychiatry
- Psychiatry Clinic: 517-353-3070
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