MSU students sit on the Michigan Capitol steps to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
On the cold cement path to the Michigan Capitol sat hundreds of students in green and white, bracing against the wind, lined up as they would be at classroom desks — a community, awash in grief.
Speakers at the large, student-led rally on Wednesday echoed now-familiar sentiments that follow after a school or other safe place is terrorized by the recurring American experience of a mass shooting.
Late Monday night, a shooter opened fire in two Michigan State University buildings. Three MSU students were killed — Arielle Anderson, a junior from Grosse Pointe; Brian Fraser; a sophomore from Grosse Pointe; and Alexandria Verner, a junior from Clawson — while five more were critically injured.
Students and supporters at the steps of Michigan’s Capitol on Wednesday expressed a mixture of grief, anger, fear and solidarity as they called for lawmakers to enact gun reforms. U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) also spoke, along with Attorney General Dana Nessel, whose son was on campus shortly before the shooting started.
More than two dozen state lawmakers — the vast majority Democrats — attended and listened solemnly. State Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles) was also present and appeared to be the lone Republican legislator who stayed for some time.
Paquette’s office did not respond to a request for comment about whether the Republican would support gun control legislation.
MSU student Maya Manuel speaks to fellow students, activists and lawmakers at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers gather in front of MSU students and activists gather in front of the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) look on as MSU students and activists gather in front of the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers gather in front of MSU students and activists gather in front of the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students, activists and lawmakers gather at the Michigan Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.) addresses the Michigan House in support of House Resolution 36, which expresses condolences for the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
First responders on the scene of the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University are acknowledged by the Michigan House during session, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students sit on the Michigan Capitol steps to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) speaks to students, activists and lawmakers at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students, flanked by lawmakers, sit on the Michigan Capitol steps to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students, flanked by lawmakers, sit on the Michigan Capitol steps to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students and activists demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students and activists demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students sit on the Michigan Capitol steps to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students sit on the Michigan Capitol steps to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students sit on the Michigan Capitol steps to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
A Spartan flag flies during a gathering at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) speaks to students, activists and lawmakers at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) speaks to students, activists and lawmakers at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) speaks to students, activists and lawmakers at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers gather in front of MSU students and activists at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) looks on as MSU students and activists gather in front of the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Sen. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) looks on as MSU students and activists gather in front of the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers, including teacher-turned-state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), gather in front of MSU students and activists at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers look on as MSU students and activists gather in front of the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
Lawmakers including Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) look on as MSU students and activists gather in front of the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Reps. Felicia Brabec (D-Ann Arbor) and Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) look on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
A Spartan flag flies during a gathering at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU student Maya Manuel speaks to fellow students, activists and lawmakers at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Twp.) looks on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students, parents and activists watch over House session at the Michigan Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
Organizer and Democratic activist Bridget Huff speaks to fellow students, activists and lawmakers at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers, including House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit), look on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers look on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) looks on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers, including state Rep. Matt Koleszar (D-Plymouth), look on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Reps. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) and Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia), and state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp.), look on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers including state Reps. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), Christine Morse (D-Texas Twp.) and Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) look on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State lawmakers including state Sens. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit) and Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) look on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
First responders on the scene of the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University are acknowledged by the Michigan House during session, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students stage a silent sit-in at the Michigan Capitol to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students stage a silent sit-in at the Michigan Capitol to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students stage a silent sit-in at the Michigan Capitol to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students stage a silent sit-in at the Michigan Capitol to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students share their experiences at the Michigan Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) speaks to students and activists at the Michigan Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
Attorney General Dana Nessel speaks at a gathering at the Michigan Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
Attorney General Dana Nessel speaks at a gathering at the Michigan Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students and activists demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students and activists demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students and activists demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) looks on as MSU students and activists gather at the state Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
First responders on the scene of the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University are acknowledged by the Michigan House during session, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) addresses the Michigan House -- and MSU students in the gallery -- in support of House Resolution 36, which expresses condolences for the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) addresses the Michigan House in support of House Resolution 36, which expresses condolences for the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students stage a silent sit-in at the Michigan Capitol to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
MSU students stage a silent sit-in at the Michigan Capitol to demand gun reform following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
State Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles) listens as MSU students and activists speak at the Michigan Capitol following the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
First responders on the scene of the Feb. 13, 2023 mass shooting at Michigan State University are acknowledged by the Michigan House during session, Feb. 15, 2023 | Laina G. Stebbins
At one point, lawmakers that attended were asked to stand directly before the grieving students on the steps, as a personal plea to recognize their humanity and take action to uphold it.
While students and activists shared their grief and demanded long-sought-after change, Nessel promised that the Michigan Legislature’s new Democratic majority will deliver and she will enforce those changes.
“I make you this commitment: To continue to work with the Legislature to make sure that we have better laws in place. And when we do, I’ll make sure that I, as your attorney general, do everything I can to aggressively enforce those laws and to do everything I can to keep you as safe as possible,” Nessel said.
After a silent sit-in during which MSU students shared their experiences, state Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) invited the crowd into the Capitol for the session. Many attendees wearing MSU’s colors of green and white then packed the pews of the House gallery. The chamber recognized first responders who were on the scene Monday night and then enacted a resolution expressing condolences for the tragedy and lives lost.
Many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle spoke in support of the resolution — with Democrats expressing sympathy amid vows for gun control legislation in the coming days, and Republicans offering prayers and requests that forthcoming legislation tackles mental health issues.
“Policy. Not political platitudes. That’s what our children deserve,” said state Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit). “That’s what we’re going to deliver.”
“In my religion, there’s an expression that goes — العلم بلا عمل كشجرة بلا ثمر — what that means is, knowledge without action is like a tree that does not bear fruit,” said Aiyash.
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Laina G. Stebbins is a former Michigan Advance reporter. A lifelong Michigander, she is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Journalism, where she served as Founding Editor of The Tab Michigan State and as a reporter for the Capital News Service.
