Ashish Ranjan
Initial police reports indicate that at least five individuals were injured, some with “life-threatening injuries,” after a gunman opened fire on the campus of Michigan State University on Monday. The culprit has not yet been captured.
The Michigan Daily reported that the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety issued a safety alert after receiving reports of gunfire at approximately 8.30 p.m. local time (7 a.m. IST).
Earlier, Emily Gerkin Guerrant, a university spokesman, told the Detroit News in Michigan that one person was killed in the incident. However, Chris Rozman, acting deputy chief of the university police, stated at a press conference at 11 p.m. local time that at least five patients, some with life-threatening injuries, were carried to the hospital. He did not mention any deaths.
It appears that the shooter targeted two university locations. At 7:10 a.m., bullets were reportedly heard near Berkey Hall on the university campus in East Lansing. It was reported at 7:56 a.m. that shots were fired near IM East.
In view of the situation, all campus activities for the next 48 hours have been cancelled. On Tuesday, students have been urged not to attend class. Michigan State University has approximately 50,000 students.
Junior Aedan Kelley, who resides less than one kilometre east of campus, told the Associated Press that he locked his doors and closed his windows “just in case.” He reported that persistent sirens and a hovering aircraft were audible. Kelley stated, “It’s all extremely terrifying.” “It’s overwhelming that so many people are texting me to see whether I’m alright.”
What we know of the suspect
The MSU police have characterised the suspect as a “short, possibly black male wearing a mask and a jean jacket and ball cap.” It is assumed that there is only a single gunman, who is on foot. The police are on the scene.
https://twitter.com/BrianEntin/status/1625349359620464640?s=20&t=DG7YTJn7FIAbdes0OoS4Rw
“Continue to seek refuge in place. We continue to receive various reports of an active shooter on campus,” the statement continued.
Also Read | Feb 14: It’s not just Valentine’s Day today -List of events that also happen on this day
Police noted that victims are receiving treatment, but did not disclose exact figures. “Currently, victims are being transferred to Sparrow Hospital. MSU police stated that Brody Hall, Snyder/Phillips Hall, Mason Hall, Abbot Hall, Landon Hall, the MSU Union, and Berkey Hall have been emptied and secured.
