Thoughts & Prayers in the Aftermath of the Michigan State University Mass Shooting

Yesterday evening, shortly after 8:00 p.m., a gunman shot and killed three Michigan State University students and seriously injured at least five others in a mass shooting on the university’s campus in East Lansing.

The fact that a tragedy of this magnitude occurred on a college campus concerns those at every university. Deadly violence that impacts the lives of a campus community in this manner is impossible to understand – we can never accept something like this as normal.

In this tragic context, communities come together, holding all those affected in our hearts, offering prayers for healing and our support to the students, faculty, and staff of Michigan State University. We offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and send our thoughts and prayers for healing to those who were injured.

We each play a role in protecting each other on and off campus. Should you feel threatened or unsafe in any situation, please call 9-1-1 or Campus Security and Public Safety Office at 509-313-2222. In addition, I urge anyone who might need consolation or support to seek out the many support services Gonzaga provides.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4