Two years ago, a mass shooting left three students dead and five others injured at Michigan State University.
On Feb. 13, 2023, a gunman walked onto campus and killed Arielle Anderson, Alexandria Verner and Brian Fraser, as well as injuring five others at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union.
The gunman later killed himself the night of the mass shooting.
Aftermath of the shooting
Since the shooting, the university has added new locks to doors, required key card access to get into most buildings between 6 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., and completed a permanent space for the MSU Security Operations Center where staff can monitor 2,000 building alarms and roughly 1,900 cameras. For more on the latest security measures implemented at Michigan State University, visit here.
The university reached settlements with the victims’ families in December 2023.
In 2024, Michigan State canceled most classes, but the campus remained open to offer support to the students and the community. The university is doing the same thing in 2025.
Michigan State’s campus is open on Feb. 13, 2025, including dining halls, mental health services, recreational sports facilities and public transportation.
Here are the services and resources the university is offering on Thursday:
- 1-4 p.m.: Service and advocacy opportunities
- The Breslin Center Hall of History will have mental health resources, connections and community support.
- 1-9 p.m.: Outdoor spaces
- There will be tented and heated spaces staffed with volunteers to provide support and resources, as well as offering luminary kits for pickup, bottled water and hot cocoa. There will also be comfort dogs available. Visit here to see the locations.
- 1-9 p.m.: Indoor spaces
- Along with the Breslin Center offering support, the MSU Alumni Chapel will have staff available for support and resources.
At 8 p.m. Thursday, the Beaumont Tower will ring. You can watch it live here.
Gov. Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Gilchrist release statement
Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II released a statement on Feb. 13, 2025:
“Two years ago today, the Spartan community was devastated by gun violence.
“There are still so many Michiganders who carry the grief and trauma from that night, including students, staff, and faculty still walking on campus right now. Today, let’s remember those we lost, hold one another close, and remember that the way we get through tough times is together.
“As governor, I am focused on protecting every campus in Michigan so every student can learn and grow without fear. Together, we will honor the memories of all those we have lost to gun violence with commonsense action to save lives and keep our communities safe. MSU is my home away from home, and it always will be.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
“Two years later, Michiganders continue to honor the three young people whose bright futures were taken by this tragic act, as well as the countless others who continue to bear the physical and mental scars from that night. Students come to our world-class universities to learn and grow. No student should have to look for exits or decide on a run, hide, fight plan every time they enter a room.
“As Michiganders, we stand with MSU today and every day. Let us respond to fear with courage; hate with love; and hurt with healing and hope. Let us work together to end gun violence in Michigan and build a brighter future for every Michigander.”
Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II
