GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Feb. 14, 2023 — A mass shooting took place on the Michigan State University campus beginning around 8:20 p.m. last night. Campus police have confirmed that three students were killed and five remain in critical condition at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Names of the victims are expected to be released later today. The shooting triggered a manhunt that continued for hours, ending with the gunman dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooter has no apparent link to the university, and his motive is still unknown. The investigation is ongoing. State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) issued the following statement on the horrific shooting:
“After yet another tragedy at the hands of gun violence, it is once again painfully clear that we cannot, and will not, wait any longer to take action.
“Generations of children have grown up in fear. The fear of guns threatening them in their schools, malls, community hubs, or the streets and sidewalks in between. The fear that a simple disagreement could lead to death is one that many children live with. Children should not be raised to identify exits every time they enter a building. This is not normal, and we don’t have to live this way.
“The debate over whether the blame is with people or guns is worn. What we know for certain is that what we are currently doing is simply not working, and blame is not a path towards solutions. Three students are dead. Five are in critical care. An entire state is traumatized. If our goal as a state and a country is to protect our own and uphold safety, can there be any clearer indication that we have failed?
“Less than a month ago, I stood with activists and leaders to call for action on gun reform and spoke with students who have experienced this true threat in their lives. One experience like this is one too many, and now there are thousands of MSU students who are contending with the fact that, despite our ideals, they are not safe.
“I was 12 years old when Columbine happened. Every shooting since has made an indelible mark on me, both as a student, and a mother. Now it makes a mark on me as a state representative, one with a majority of colleagues behind them who believe that it is finally time for action. It is time to strengthen background checks, it is time to ban assault weapons, and it is time to take guns out of the hands of those who pose a threat to others or themselves. Last November, Michigan residents spoke clearly in favor of a party that would be willing to take action on gun reform, and it is our duty to live up to those expectations.”