Michigan State University Bans Public Firearms on Campus After Tragic Shooting
Last February, tragedy struck Michigan State University when an unrelated individual, Anthony McRae, unleashed gunfire on campus, leading to the loss of three students’ lives and the injury of five others.
In response, the university’s board of trustees has taken decisive action. On Friday, they voted to prohibit individuals from the general public, even those with concealed carry licenses, from bringing firearms onto the campus grounds.
Before this policy change, the university already barred students and staff from possessing firearms on campus but permitted individuals with concealed pistol licenses to enter the campus as long as they refrained from entering any buildings.
The newly adopted policy, passed with a 5-2 majority, carves out exceptions only for those passing through the campus with concealed weapons and for authorized personnel, such as law enforcement officers. This policy change went into effect immediately.
“This change has been a long time in the making,” commented Trustee Kelly Tebay, the driving force behind this reform.
MSU spokesperson Dan Olsen emphasized, “Members of the general public can no longer carry concealed firearms on our campus property, including green spaces. There is an exemption for those merely traveling through without stopping or exiting their vehicle with a firearm.”
On February 13, 2023, the campus was forever changed when Anthony McRae carried out his attack at Berkey Hall and the MSU Union. The incident claimed the lives of three students: Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson, and Alexandria Verner, while five others suffered injuries.
Notably, McRae had no discernible connections to his victims or the university, as investigators have confirmed. Tragically, he took his own life on the night of the shootings following a confrontation with the police. Even after extensive investigation, authorities could not pinpoint a clear motive behind the campus tragedy.