MICHIGAN — America’s 67th mass shooting of 2023 shook the Michigan State campus and its global community of students, alumni and numerous others with a deep connection to MSU. Three students were murdered and five were transferred to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.
Below are statements released by elected officials across Michigan:
Governor Gretchen Whitmer:
“Our Spartan community and Michiganders across the state are devastated. MSU’s campus is a special place for so many, and it is now the site of another senseless act of gun violence. Parents across Michigan were on pins and needles calling their kids to check in on them and tell them they love them. It doesn’t have to be this way.
This is a uniquely American problem. Too many of us scan rooms for exits when we enter them. We plan who that last text or call would go to. We should not, we cannot, accept living like this.
I want to thank the first responders for their swift actions on the ground tonight and the medical professionals who are working to save lives.
Spartans will cry and hold each other a little closer. We will mourn the loss of beautiful souls and pray for those fighting for their lives in the hospital.”
Attorney General Dana Nessel:
“As a parent, there is no greater fear than having your child tell you there is an active shooter at their school. I experienced this terror along with thousands of other MSU families last night,” Nessel said in a statement. “While my Spartan sons are safe, I am mourning the devastating loss and senseless violence. The events at Michigan State University are a tragedy for the entire state of Michigan. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, friends, and loved ones.”
Senator Debbie Stabenow:
“I am grieving for my fellow Spartans today – for the lives lost, the injured, and all of the students, parents, MSU employees, and local residents who will be living with fear for a long time to come. I am grateful too for the first responders who put their own lives on the line to keep people safe.
Spartans are strong and resilient – I know that the university and community will come together and get through this. I’m so incredibly sad and angry that they have to.”
Senator Gary Peters:
“Colleen and I are heartbroken by the horrific shooting at Michigan State University. We’re grieving for those who lost loved ones in this nightmare and are praying for those who were injured. We’re thinking of the students, parents, staff, Spartan community — and all impacted by this tragedy. I’m also thankful to the law enforcement and first responders who rushed to the scene.”
Speaker of the House Joe Tate:
“I am angry that the safety and security of Michigan State University has been shattered by the uniquely American scourge of gun violence. This is not a new phenomenon, and the people who elected us to help lead the state have no patience for inaction. … We have a choice. We can continue to debate the reasons for gun violence in America, or we can act. We cannot continue to do the same thing over and over again and hope for a different outcome.”
Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks:
“We do know there are things we can do legislatively that have broad support among our constituents both Democrats and Republicans as well as gun owners and non-gun owners. So, there are things that we can do to prevent gun violence and we simply cannot have a legislature that continues to ignore these issues and under our leadership we will not have a legislature that ignores this conversation.”
