Thousands gather on Michigan State University’s campus for vigil honoring mass shooting victims

Student organization, Spartans Against Gun Violence, hosted the event

EAST LANSING, Mich. – On Tuesday, thousands of Spartans gathered on the Michigan State University campus for a vigil honoring the lives lost in the deadly shooting.

The student organization, Spartans Against Gun Violence, hosted the event. However, there was no talk of policy or legislation. Instead, the focus remained on grief and unity.

There were three minutes of silence honoring the three students killed, Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser, and Alexandria Verner.

Read: Funeral mass held for Arielle Anderson, Michigan State University shooting victim

A sophomore who was in the MSU Union when shots rang out spoke to the crowd about the terror experienced.

“That same path I was running home that night to safety is the same path I walk to work and my classes,” said sophomore Maya.

The campus community also grieved the sense of security lost.

“Many of us are mourning the loss of the feeling of safety that we had on campus and the feeling of joy that this campus brought to us,” said student Maggie Dillion.

MSU Interim President Teresa Woodruff ended the evening on a note of unity.

“Together, our Spartan hearts were broken,” said Woodruff.


About the Authors:

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.