EAST LANSING, Mich. – Two buildings on Michigan State University’s campus where fatal shootings occurred Monday night remain active crime scenes as of Wednesday morning.
Berkey Hall, an academic building, and the MSU Student Union were still taped off by police on Wednesday morning, with officers stationed around them. The two buildings, positioned on the northern edge of campus, are where a 43-year-old gunman opened fire on students Monday night, killing three and critically injuring five others.
The first shooting was reported at about 8:18 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, at Berkey Hall. There, officers responded and found two students killed and several others injured from gunshot wounds. Moments later, the same gunman opened fire in the Union, killing another student and injuring more.
Three students were killed in the shooting: Brian Fraser, of Grosse Pointe; Alexandria Verner, of Clawson; and Arielle Anderson, of Harper Woods. Five other students remained hospitalized in critical condition in Lansing as of Tuesday.
University officials announced Tuesday afternoon that all classes will be canceled through the rest of the week in the wake of the mass shooting. Apart from holding classes, campus operations are expected to return to normal by the end of the day Wednesday -- but it is unclear if that includes Berkey Hall and the MSU Union.
“Grief is a profoundly personal thing, and we know the healing process will not be swift,” said interim university President Teresa Woodruff. “We must take time to think, mourn and be together. I encourage everyone to honor their feelings and find comfort and solace in the close bonds that knit together our Spartan family.”
Authorities said Tuesday that officers were continuing to collect evidence and statements from students and witnesses on the violence that occurred Monday night. Law enforcement are expected to provide an update on their investigation later this week. A specific date has not yet been provided.
Memorials are being erected and vigils are being held on the East Lansing campus and elsewhere in the state in recognition of the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the rock on MSU’s campus.
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