A note threatening two schools in New Jersey was found in the pocket of a man who shot eight Michigan State University students Monday night.
Three people were killed and five others were injured when the 43-year-old man opened fire at Berkey Hall and the Student Union on the university’s campus.
The first shots were reported at 8:18 p.m. The shooter killed himself at an off-campus location in Lansing at 11:35 p.m. Police found the note in the shooter’s pocket.
According to the superintendent of Ewing Public Schools, the shooter had ties to Ewing Township. School officials said the threats were directed toward Ewing High School and Fisher Middle School.
The Ewing Public Schools district was closed Tuesday as officials investigated the validity of the threat. Police determined there is currently no threat to Ewing Public Schools and classes will resume on Wednesday.
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Read the full statement from the superintendent below:
“Dear Ewing School Community,
“We just received the following updated statement from the Ewing Police Department:
“‘On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at approximately 0600 hours, The Ewing Police Department was notified by the New Jersey State Police about a mass shooting incident that occurred at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, which had a possible connection to Ewing, New Jersey. Information received during the investigation indicated that the shooter (Anthony McRae, age 43) had local ties to Ewing Township. When McRae was found by police in Michigan, he had a note in his pocket that indicated a threat to two Ewing Public Schools. Investigation revealed that McRae had a history of mental health issues. As the investigation continued, and out of an abundance of caution, the Ewing Public Schools were closed for the day. Officers from Ewing and surrounding agencies were stationed at each closed public school as well as the other schools in the Township. After further investigation, it has been determined that the incident is isolated to Michigan, and there is no threat to Ewing Schools. Information received during our investigation indicated that McRae has not resided in the Ewing area in several years. The Ewing Police Department would like to thank our Mercer County law enforcement partners for their quick response and assistance while the investigation was in the initial stages. Officers will remain at all schools for the day, and it is anticipated that the normal school schedule will resume tomorrow, February 15.’
“On behalf of the Ewing Board of Education and administration, I would like to thank the Ewing Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for their rapid and thorough response. All Ewing Township Public Schools will resume normal operations tomorrow, February 15, 2023. Our hearts go out to the victims in Michigan. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to cooperate and partner with the Ewing Police Department in the wake of this incident. Thank you for your patience and support.
“We have received questions about which schools were threatened. The letter mentioned Ewing High School and Fisher Middle School. The Ewing Police Department has thoroughly investigated this incident and determined there is NO threat to any of Ewing’s schools. We will resume normal operations tomorrow, February 15, 2023.
“Sincerely, Dr. David Gentile - Superintendent”
Read: Timeline of Michigan State University shootings, search for suspect