By Noah Brasseur
EAST LANSING – A second press conference was held by Michigan State University Police, roughly half an hour later their original plan of a midnight update.
The most important news is that the suspect was confirmed to be dead, from what is currently assumed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement officials say the threat to MSU’s campus is over, and the shelter-in-place order is lifted.
Police were either unable or unwilling to give certain details regarding the attacks. Officer Chris Rocman, who once again led the press briefing, said the department would not be revealing any personal identification for the victims “out of respect for their families.”
Additionally, Rocman reiterated the situation was still “dynamic” and investigators still did not know much. Included in that, for example, is what specific type of gun was used in the attacks.
Officers have been unable to determine the suspect’s identity, and what-if any-connections to the university he may have had. They said they had “absolutely no information” about what his motive may have been.
“We will do our best to determine that, but at this time, we have no idea,” Rocman said.
Prior to this press conference it was announced on the MSU Police and Public Safety Twitter page that there were three confirmed fatalities in addition to the five victims who were taken to the hospital.
They were, however, able to confirm that the shootings occurred only in Berkey Hall and the Union building. Police also confirmed that two of the fatalities occurred in Berkey Hall, with the third happening in the Union.
Some of the press briefing was spent thanking other police departments and federal agencies for their assistance, with “hundreds” of officers responding from several places, including the East Lansing Police Department, the State Police, and several federal agencies.
The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement officials ask that those with information regarding the shooting get in contact. One option is tips@police.msu.edu.
*Update
In a third press conference at 1:30 a.m., police confirmed the suspect was a 43-year-old male. He had no apparent connections with MSU.
The five hospitalized victims remain in critical condition.
A fourth press meeting will be held sometime in the morning at a soon-to-be-announced time.
