EAST LANSING, Mich. – Authorities have decided not to reveal the identities of five Michigan State University students who were critically injured in Monday night’s mass shooting.
Michigan State University police officials on Wednesday announced that the identities of five students who are hospitalized in critical condition will not be released at this time. The decision was made “after careful consideration and out of respect for the families,” police said.
On Monday, Feb. 13, three students were killed and five students were injured when a 43-year-old gunman with no known ties to the school opened fire at two buildings on Michigan State University’s campus. The five injured students were taken to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, where they have remained in critical condition since.
Sparrow officials said Tuesday that four of the five injured students required surgical intervention when they arrived at the hospital Monday night. Officials did not provide a prognosis, saying it is too soon to tell.
The three students who were shot and killed Monday have been identified: Brian Fraser, of Grosse Pointe; Alexandria Verner, of Clawson; and Arielle Anderson, of Harper Woods.
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 MSU Union, killing another student and injuring more.
After a three hourslong manhunt, police found the shooter at an off-campus location in Lansing. The man killed himself at that scene.
All classes have been canceled through the week in an effort to “offer time for healing to begin,” according to interim university President Teresa Woodruff. Apart from classes, normal campus operations are expected to resume by the end of the day Wednesday.
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 on Thursday.
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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