McRae had no affiliation with the university, Michigan State University Police Department interim Deputy Chief Chris Rozman confirmed.

State, university and local leaders gathered for a press conference Tuesday morning to address the community about the shooting, which left three dead and five in critical condition.

Students sheltered in place from around 8:30 p.m. Monday to shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning. The shelter-in-place was lifted after police confirmed McRae died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Lansing. 

The shooting began at Berkey Hall shortly before 8:30 p.m. Police found two deceased victims at this location before responding to a second shooting at the MSU Union, where another deceased victim was found.

The three deceased victims, as well as the five injured victims undergoing medical treatment, are MSU students. Police expect to release the name of the victims on Tuesday.

“Our Spartan hearts are broken,” Interim President Teresa Woodruff said. “We're grieving, as a community, we're grieving together. We struggle to comprehend. We lost families, friends, classmates and our hearts go out to the victims of this senseless tragedy.”

Police could not share specific information on the weapon used in the incident. Investigators are currently looking into McRae's background and history and police are still unsure of McRae's motive.

Rozman said police "do have at least one weapon."

 McRae was arrested in 2019 for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, a copy of records show. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for possession of a loaded firearm and spent a year and a half on probation.

In November 2019, McRae pleaded guilty to possession of a loaded firearm as part of a plea agreement. McRae forfeited the gun and was banned from owning weapons during his probation. McRae was discharged from probation in May 2021, the court records show.

Changes & resources available to the community

Classes will be cancelled until Monday morning and resources will be provided to students for the time period that they are needed, Interim President Teresa Woodruff said.

Limited dining hall operations will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Brody Square: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 9 p.m.
• The Edge at Akers: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 9 p.m.
• The Vista at Shaw: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 9 p.m.
• Sparty’s Market at 1855 Place: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Woodruff thanked the essential university staff members who are asked to report to work Tuesday. 

Essential City of East Lansing employees will be reporting to work Tuesday. 

City of East Lansing offices will be closed to the general public on Tuesday. Building closures include:

• East Lansing City Hall
• East Lansing Public Library
• East Lansing Prime Time
• East Lansing 54B District Court
• East Lansing Department of Public Works.

The Center will have a delayed opening at 8 a.m. and drop-in counseling services will be available for the community beginning at 9 a.m.

A community mental health resource is open 24/7 and can be accessed by calling (517) 346-8460. Students can access free, confidential counseling 24/7 by calling (517) 355-8270 and dialing "1" at the prompt.