EAST LANSING, Mich. — WARNING: The contents of this story contain information and images that may not be suitable for all readers. Discretion is advised.
Michigan State University Police and Public Safety on Friday shared an updated detailed timeline, the notes found on the shooter and a map showing the thousands of 911 calls dispatchers fielded during the February mass shooting on campus.
The shooting happened Monday, Feb. 13 when 43-year-old Anthony McRae fired shots in two areas of campus, killing three and wounding five.
The violence claimed the lives of 20-year-old Alexandria Verner, 19-year-old Arielle Anderson and 20-year-old Brian Fraser. Last week the University said all three will receive posthumous bachelor's degrees in their field of study.
Three of the students are now recovering outside of the hospital, while the two others remain hospitalized.
Since the shooting, MSU officials have taken measures to increase campus security, including additional on-campus security cameras and keycard access to most buildings during evening hours.
The school is also seeking bids for an external after-action review of MSU's response to the shooting.
You can see Friday's updated report here.
Updated Timeline
Here is the latest timeline of events law enforcement shared for what happened on Feb. 13, 2023:
- 8:18 p.m. – First shots fired call at Berkey Hall received by Ingham County 911
- 8:20 p.m. – Officers entered Berkey Hall
- 8:24 p.m. – McRae entered the Union
- 8:26 p.m. – First report of shooting at the Union
- 8:26 p.m. – McRae exited the Union and left campus
- 8:27 p.m. – Officers arrived at the Union
- 8:30 p.m. – First emergency alert notification sent
- 8:31 p.m. – Second emergency alert notification sent
- 11:18 p.m. – Photo of suspect shared on MSU DPPS social media
- 11:35 p.m. – Ingham County 911 receives call of person matching the description walking on Lake Lansing Rd near High St in the City of Lansing
- 11:49 p.m. – Officers approach McRae and he shoots himself
As part of the ongoing investigation, McRae’s route once he left campus is still being reviewed and finalized by law enforcement.
911 Calls
Between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14, Ingham County dispatchers fielded 2,100 phone calls, with 1,450 being 911 calls.
This is equal to about 2.5 days' worth of calls dispatchers usually get.
Police officers had 3,136 radio "push to talks" with dispatchers. "Push to talk" is the way a police officer communicates with a dispatcher on their two-way radio system.
This campus map shows the 911 calls dispatchers took over that five-hour period.
Barb Davidson, Director of Ingham County 911 Central Dispatch, said their organization quickly mobilized more than 20 staff, including off-duty personnel, to respond to the shooting.
"The tragedy at MSU has shed light on the crucial role that dispatchers play in public incidents. It highlighted the skills needed in our profession which include extreme multitasking abilities, excellent communication skills, decisive and quick thinking, active listening, geographical knowledge, situational awareness, resource allocation, responder safety, public safety knowledge, and critical incident management," Davidson said.
"Our work requires extensive training and continuous education to ensure we are always prepared to respond to any emergency with the utmost professionalism and competence."
"We are proud of our team's impressive response throughout this incident."
Davidson also noted that all other emergencies in the county didn't stop during the MSU shooting incident, and dispatchers also handled those calls.
Note found on McRae
About 17 minutes after authorities publicized the photo of the shooting suspect, a woman in Lansing spotted the shooter walking by her house.
She called 911 to report the sighting and authorities found McRae quickly.
When confronted, McRae took his own life.
Detectives found two handguns, ammunition and a note containing a possible motive for the attack. Police said it appeared from the note that McRae felt he had been slighted in some way by people or businesses, adding that he had no connection to the victims or the school and had worked at a grocery chain warehouse.
Law enforcement said the following notes were found in his pocket. Police said they are redacting portions of the note to protect the privacy of some outside entities.
WARNING: The contents of the following images are disturbing and contain profanity.
McRae says in the note he was acting with others, but investigators from MSU DPPS, Michigan State Police and the FBI believe he acted alone, and his claim is unfounded.
MSU Police and Public Safety is continuing to investigate this incident and will provide additional updates as they become available.
MSU officials announced donations from the Spartan Strong fund will be covering hospital expenses and funeral costs for the victims of the shooting. The money will also go toward adding mental health services and increasing campus security measures.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, there is help available:
- MSU Student Health Services. General info: 517-884-6526; Nurse on-call: 517-353-9165
- MSU Employee Assistance Program. EAP is a confidential, free counseling service for employees: 517-355-4506, eap@msu.edu.
- Counseling and Psychiatry Services. CAPS is the place for students seeking help for a wide range of health concerns.
- MSU Department of Psychiatry. Psychiatry Clinic: 517-353-3070
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