Michigan State cancels athletic events in wake of campus shooting

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Athletic events at Michigan State University have been canceled for the next 48 hours after a fatal shooting at the campus Monday night.

University police confirmed that three students were killed and five others are in critical condition after the shooter opened fire at approximately 8:18 p.m. at Berkey Hall, an academic building on campus, and then MSU Union, a popular spot for students to eat and study. 

Several victims suffered life-threatening injuries and remain at Sparrow Hospital, Interim Deputy Chief Chris Rozman said.

Police identified the suspect as Anthony Dwayne McRae, 43, who shot himself miles away from campus. Police said that McRae has no affiliation with MSU.

"We have no idea why he came to campus to do this tonight," Rozman said. "That is part of our ongoing investigation."

Photos released by police described him as "a Black male, shorter in stature, red shoes, jean jacket, wearing a baseball cap that is navy with a lighter brim."

Sporting events that have been canceled at the university include the men’s basketball team hosting Minnesota on Wednesday night. The men's tennis team was set to host Drake on Wednesday, as well. It is unclear if these games will be rescheduled at a later date.

The women’s basketball team was scheduled to play at Purdue on Wednesday, but that game was also postponed. The team is scheduled to return home against Maryland on Saturday. Later on Saturday, the Spartans men’s basketball team is scheduled to square off against rival Michigan on the road in Ann Arbor.

Additionally, the women's gymnastics meet at Illinois scheduled for Friday has also been postponed.

Rozman said that the two-day window of cancellations is "subject to change."

"At some point in the days ahead, we will return to the field of competition," MSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller said. "For some, the games will provide a momentary escape from our shattered reality, but we must never lose sight that life has been irrevocably altered for us all. Our commitment to look after one another has never been more necessary."

The university announced on Tuesday that classes are canceled until Monday, Feb. 20. 

"This truly has been a nightmare that we are living tonight, but we have remained laser focused on the safety of our campus, our students and the surrounding community," Rozman said during a press conference Monday. "We are relieved to no longer have an active threat on campus, while we realize that there [will be] so much healing that will need to take place after this."

Michigan police identified two students who were victims of the shooting as Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner. The name of the third student was not revealed as per the wishes of the family.

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