February 13, Michigan State University and nearby residential areas underwent a shelter-in-place protocol in response to reports of an active shooter on campus. Students were urged to stay put and barricade doors until the campus was deemed safe.

While students hid, a gunman identified as 43-year-old Anthony McRae moved through the campus. McRae entered Berkey Hall on the MSU campus and fired shots, killing two students. He then moved to the MSU Union building and killed one more, critically injuring five others on his way. Once law enforcement arrived and confronted McRae around 11:30 p.m., the gunman turned his weapon on himself and died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Among those who were killed are students Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner. 

Though McRae was a resident of Lansing, the town near MSU, he had no noticeable links to the university. His motives for the mass shooting are unknown, but he reportedly dealt with severe anger issues and had previously been arrested on charges of illegal possession of a firearm.

As for the rest of the MSU students, many have posted statements about the incident online. A viral video reveals the sentiments of an MSU student who was also a survivor of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. Many express fear, anger and disappointment with America’s gun laws in response to the event and are fighting to make a change.