Michigan State University suspends all sport after gunman kills three in rampage

14 February 2023 , 09:37

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MSU has cancelled all sports in the wake of the shooting (Image: Michael Conroy/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

Michigan State University has suspended all sporting activities and fixtures after a gunman killed three people in a horrific shooting on Monday evening.

The gunman made his way onto the MSU campus before opening fire in Berkey Hall - home to the University's art and science departments - where he killed two people. He then made his way to the student union where he killed one more victim.

Along with the three victims, at least five others are said to be in a critical condition and receiving treatment in hospital, according Chris Rozman, the university Police Department’s interim deputy chief.

A mass manhunt was then carried out around the surrounding areas for the gunman, before it was revealed he had also died due to a gunshot wound. Confirming the killer had no connections to MSU, Rozman said in a statement: "We have no idea why he came to campus. He was not affiliated in any way with Michigan State University - he is not faculty or a student or staff."

In the wake of the atrocity, sports fixtures across the university have been cancelled. This has seen the men's basketball team's fixture with Minnesota on Wednesday postponed, as well as the women's clash with against Purdue.

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Three people have been killed following the attack (Getty Images)

On Friday, the university have a whole host of sporting fixtures pencilled in, with men's ice hockey, wrestling, softball, women's gymnastics, men's tennis, and women's tennis all set to be in action. A decision on whether these activities will go ahead is still yet to be announced.

MSU confirmed in a statement on Monday that all activities - including both study, sport and 'campus-related activities' - had been cancelled for 48 hours. In a statement in the early hours on Tuesday morning, the university said: "MSU Police has announced there is no longer a threat to campus.

The gunman made his way onto campus just after 8pm (Michigan State Univeristy Police)

"A suspect has been located and is deceased. Individuals who are on campus and in surrounding areas no longer need to shelter in place. All classes – virtual and in-person – are cancelled, as are athletic events and all other campus activities for at least 48 hours.

"Supervisors will be notifying designated essential employees if they should report to campus tomorrow. More information will be provided to employees soon. Counselling and Psychiatric Services and the Employee Assistance Program will be making programming and services available in the coming days. Stay tuned for further information."

Joshua Lees