Month: February 2023

Three people are dead and five others are injured after a shooting at multiple locations on Michigan State University’s East Lansing campus Monday night, police said. The suspect has also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. MSU Police and Public Safety said during a press briefing that the injured victims have been transported to a hospital, where all five remain in critical condition. Sparrow Hospital Communications Director John Foren confirmed that the hospital received five patients from the shooting but did not have an update on their conditions.

There is no longer a threat on campus and the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, Chris Rozman, interim deputy chief, said during a press briefing that there is no longer a threat on campus and the shelter-in-place order has been lifted.  University police said on Twitter that there appeared to be only one suspect, described as a “short male with a mask.” They later tweeted at 12:28 a.m. EST that the suspect had been located off campus and that he appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect was identified as a 43-year-old man who was not affiliated with the university. Rozman said: “He is not a student, faculty, staff. And we have no idea why he came to campus to do this tonight.”  Police are still working to determine the suspect’s identity and possible motive, the interim deputy chief said.

Police initially received 911 calls of shots fired at 8:18 p.m. in Berkey Hall and located “several” victims there. Police then received a report of another shooting and responded to the MSU Union building, where they found other victims. Two of the fatalities were at Berkey Hall and one was at the MSU Union building.

Michigan State has about 50,000 students. East Lansing is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northwest of Detroit. Authorities announced late Monday that all campus activities would be canceled for 48 hours, including athletics and classes. People were advised not to come to campus Tuesday.

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The White House confirmed in a statement on Monday that J. Brett Blanton, Architect of the Capitol, was fired Monday after several lawmakers called for his removal. Blanton has been under fire since a November report accused him of ethics violations and improperly using government property.

Among the several allegations by the Capitol’s Office of Inspector General were that Blanton gave tours of the building while it was closed during COVID-19 protocol in 2020, and that he impersonated a police officer. Committee on House Administration chair Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., said in a statement: “The Architect of the Capitol plays a key role in preserving the Capitol campus and should be focused on ensuring the institution works for Members, Committees, staff, and most importantly, the American people. The Inspector General’s report was highly concerning, which is, in part, why our first hearing was dedicated to providing oversight over the AOC. His refusal to be transparent and truthful has made clear that he can no longer lead the organization and must resign immediately.”

Despite being appointed by former President Donal Trump, the calls for Blanton’s resignation came from both parties, with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tweeting Monday morning: “After being given the opportunity to respond to numerous allegations of legal, ethical, and administrative violations, and failing to directly respond, the president has removed Mr. Brett Blanton from his position — a decision I firmly stand behind.”  Blanton was grilled about the report during hearings last week, where he said at the time, “I wholeheartedly reject any assertion that I have engaged in unethical behavior during my service to this country while serving in this particular role.”

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