Michigan State University: Timeline of mass shooting, manhunt
Feb. 16: Police: Michigan State shooter felt ‘slighted,’ threatened others in note
A fuller picture is emerging about the three-hour lockdown and manhunt at Michigan State University in East Lansing on Monday and early Tuesday after a gunman killed three students and wounded five others.
While all details are not known, a timeline is taking shape of events that led police to confront the suspected gunman, Anthony McRae, early Tuesday, causing him to die of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting killed MSU students Arielle Anderson and Brian Fraser, who both graduated from Grosse Pointe schools, and Alexandria Verner from Clawson in Oakland County. Five others were in critical condition on Tuesday.
Related:
- Michigan State students from Oxford hope to ‘survive long enough to graduate’
- Michigan State University shooting updates
- Michigan State victims: Brian Fraser, Alex Verner and Arielle Anderson
- Michigan State shooter Anthony McRae had guns charge, run-ins with police
- Michigan State shooter Anthony McRae had guns charge, run-ins with police
Bridge Michigan will update the timeline as more information becomes available.
Monday
8:18 p.m.
First reports of shooting on campus.
8:31 p.m.
MSU police send urgent text, alerting campus to active shooter: "Secure-in-Place immediately. Run, Hide, Fight."
8:40 p.m.
MSU police say there have been shots fired "near Berkey Hall," an academic building off Grand River.
9:26 p.m.
Police say there have been reports of another shooting at IM East, a recreational facility (this proved not to be true).
9:56 p.m.
Suspect described as short, wearing a mask, possibly a Black male.
10:04 p.m.
Police send another alert, telling campus to "turn cell phones to silent" and remain quiet.
10:10 p.m.
Victims reportedly taken to Sparrow Hospital while multiple buildings, including Brody Hall (a dormitory), Berkey Hall and the MSU Union had "all been cleared/secured."
10:26 p.m.
All campus activities were canceled for the next 48 hours.
11 p.m.
Suspect spotted on surveillance cameras in the hallway entering a campus building. It’s unclear where or when this footage was taken.
11:18 p.m.
Images of shooter shared widely by MSU police.
11:35 p.m.
Caller alerts police to shooter's location. Police confront him at a building near Lake Lansing and Larch roads, about 5 miles from campus.
12:28 a.m.
Police announce the shooter was found dead, apparently the victim of a self-inflicted gunshot.
Tuesday
8:20 a.m.
MSU confirms the three dead and five wounded are all students.
8:45 a.m.
Police confirm the shooter is Anthony D. McRae, 43, of Lansing who had no apparent connection to campus. They later reveal they found a note but do not disclose its contents.
Michigan Education Watch
Michigan Education Watch is made possible by generous financial support from:
Subscribe to Michigan Health Watch
See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:
- “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
- “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
- “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.
If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!