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MSU settles with shooting survivor for $2.45 million

August 18, 2025
The Spartan Statue is piled with flowers in honor of the three victims of the MSU shooting on Feb. 13, 2025.
The Spartan Statue is piled with flowers in honor of the three victims of the MSU shooting on Feb. 13, 2025.

Michigan State University reached a $2.45 million settlement in July with another survivor of the Feb. 13, 2023 campus shooting, according to documents obtained by The State News. 

Hanyang Tao was struck in the spine as he was trying to exit Berkey Hall room 114 when the shooter opened fire. There was no exit wound and there are still bullet fragments in his back. 

Tao's attorney Ken Khara said that Tao continues to suffer physically and psychologically from his injuries. Tao struggles with extreme back pain and numbness due to the existing bullet fragments in his back. Tao has also suffered from sleep paralysis and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Tao filed an intent to sue MSU in June of 2023, claiming that the university had been negligent and "failed to protect students" after ignoring complaints of potential safety hazards. The hazards included the lack a proper emergency alert system, the lack of classroom doors that could be locked from inside, and the lack of an armed security officer, metal detectors or security stations. 

The settlement comes months after three other survivors received combined settlements of $29.75 million. Another survivor received a $50,000 settlement in May. The Board of Trustees also recently approved the design and the start of construction for a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Feb. 13 campus shooting. 

"Michigan State University understands the depth of the impact of the events of February 13 and extends our deepest condolences to those injured and to their families and loved ones," university spokesperson Mark Bullion wrote in a statement. "Our university community stands with them and continues to work with them as they heal and recover from the tragedy. While the university cannot comment on any specific settlements, we truly hope reaching a resolution helps provide some measure of relief, support and care to impacted individuals and their families."

Since graduating from MSU, Tao has returned to China to be with his family. 

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