Mourners leave flowers at the MSU Union on Feb. 19, 2023, one of the locations where several students were shot during a mass shooting on Michigan State University’s campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
After a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University took the lives of three students and put five more in the hospital, Spartans from across the country came together to remember the victims and try to begin the healing process.
On Feb. 14, the day after the shooting that killed Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner, shoppers in East Lansing and surrounding areas could be seen streaming out of stores like Meijer with flowers in hand.
But what wasn’t clear was whether they were buying those flowers for a loved one on Valentine’s Day, or to leave on campus at one of two campus landmarks that quickly became impromptu memorials.
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Rock, which is painted to read "HOW MANY MORE?" on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Spartan Statue on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Spartan Statue on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
On the morning of Feb. 15, 2023, students repainted The Rock at Michigan State University with a memorial to students lost in the mass shooting after a pro-gun message had been painted overnight. | Susan J, Demas
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Rock, which is painted to read "HOW MANY MORE?" on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Rock, which is painted to read "HOW MANY MORE?" on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Rock, which is painted to read "HOW MANY MORE?" on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
On the morning of Feb. 15, 2023, students repainted The Rock at Michigan State University with a memorial to students lost in the mass shooting after a pro-gun message had been painted overnight. | Susan J, Demas
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Spartan Statue on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Spartan Statue on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Rock, which is painted to read "HOW MANY MORE?" on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Spartan Statue on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Spartan Statue on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Spartan Statue on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students and members of surrounding communities pay their respects for victims of the mass shooting on MSU's campus at the Spartan Statue on Feb. 14, 2023. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Campus was eerily still the day after students were warned to “run, hide, fight” due to an active shooter situation on campus, with classes canceled for the remainder of that week.
But a constant stream of community members stopped by the Spartan Statue and The Rock, which was painted to read “HOW MANY MORE?” in red letters against a black background, throughout the day Tuesday to pay their respects and leave flowers and notes.
Students and community members attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students and community members attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students and community members attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students and community members attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students and community members attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University Interim President Teresa Woodruff speaks to students and community members on Feb. 15 before attending a candlelight vigil following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students and community members attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Zeke the Wonder Dog appears at a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students and community members attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
A memorial after the mass shooting at Michigan State University, Feb. 15, 2023 | Angela Demas
Students and community members attend a candlelight vigil at Michigan State University on Feb. 15, 2023, following the mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. | Angela Demas
Students began organizing by Wednesday, holding the first of three protests at the state Capitol that have already taken place with several more planned for future dates.
Later that evening, hundreds of Spartans turned out for a candlelight vigil where Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Interim President Teresa Woodruff and Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Izzo left flowers and spoke. Despite the size of the crowd, there was a solemn silence before the speaking program began.
Students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
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
Students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Legislators listen to students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities share their experiences during a protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Attorney General Dana Nessel speaks at a protest with students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities advocating for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on MSU's campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students from Michigan State University and surrounding communities protest for stricter gun laws at the Michigan Capitol on Feb. 15, 2023, following a mass shooting on campus earlier in the week. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
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
With students being given less than a full week before they were expected to return to classes on Monday, thousands flooded campus on “Spartan Sunday” to welcome students back to campus with gifts, puppies, hugs and messages of encouragement.
While classes have resumed, things on campus have not returned to normal.
Hundreds of students attend a vigil Feb. 21 honoring victims of the mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students at Michigan State University pet corgis brought to campus by the Michigan Corgi Club on Feb. 19, 2023, to provide students emotional support days after a mass shooting on campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students at Michigan State University pet corgis brought to campus by the Michigan Corgi Club on Feb. 19, 2023, to provide students emotional support days after a mass shooting on campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
ASMSU President Jordan Kovach speaks at a vigil Feb. 21 honoring victims of the mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at the MSU Union on Feb. 19, 2023, one of the locations where several students were shot during a mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
MSU Interim President Teresa Woodruff speaks at a vigil Feb. 21 honoring victims of the mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at the MSU Union on Feb. 19, 2023, one of the locations where several students were shot during a mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at The Rock on Michigan State University's campus on Feb. 16, 2023, just days after a mass shooting on campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at the MSU Union on Feb. 19, 2023, one of the locations where several students were shot during a mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at the Spartan statue on Michigan State University's campus on Feb. 19, 2023, just days after a mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
ASMSU President Jordan Kovach speaks at a vigil Feb. 21 honoring victims of the mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at the MSU Union on Feb. 19, 2023, one of the locations where several students were shot during a mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at the MSU Union on Feb. 19, 2023, one of the locations where several students were shot during a mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at the MSU Union on Feb. 19, 2023, one of the locations where several students were shot during a mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Berkey Hall, one of the sites of the mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus, Feb. 15, 2023 | Susan J. Demas
Sparty pets one of the many dogs seen on Michigan State University's campus during Spartan Sunday on Feb. 19, 2023, just days after a mass shooting on campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students at Michigan State University pet corgis brought to campus by the Michigan Corgi Club on Feb. 19, 2023, to provide students emotional support days after a mass shooting on campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Students at Michigan State University pet corgis brought to campus by the Michigan Corgi Club on Feb. 19, 2023, to provide students emotional support days after a mass shooting on campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mourners leave flowers at The Rock on Michigan State University's campus on Feb. 16, 2023, just days after a mass shooting on campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Messages of encouragement are posted around Michigan State University's campus during Spartan Sunday on Feb. 19, 2023, just days after a mass shooting on campus. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Flowers laid outside the MSU Union, one of the sites of the mass shooting on Michigan State University's campus, Feb. 15, 2023 | Susan J. Demas
Hundreds of students walked out on Monday and held another protest at the Capitol, calling for more safety measures at MSU and gun reform. A second vigil took place on campus on Tuesday.
As students have expressed concerns with returning to campus so quickly, and faculty members have been given the flexibility to adapt their courses to meet students’ needs.
Parkland survivor David Hogg, a co-founder of March for Our Lives, speaks at a press conference demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Michigan State University students Hailey Kenward, left, and Calista Goluba, right, with March for Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, center, at a press conference demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Oxford and Michigan State University students speak at a press conference demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mariah Cooley, left, and March for Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, right, speak at a press conference demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Angela Demas speaks as hundreds of Michigan State University students gather on the lawn of the Michigan Capitol for a rally demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Mariah Cooley, left, and March for Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, right, speak at a press conference demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Parkland survivor David Hogg, a co-founder of March for Our Lives, speaks at a press conference demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Oxford and Michigan State University students speak at a press conference demanding gun control legislation on Feb. 20, 2023, one week after a mass shooting on the campus of MSU. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)
Berkey Hall will remain closed for the rest of the semester. The Union is closed until further notice, but may reopen after a month or two according to an email sent to student organizations. Spartans have laid flowers at both sites in the days following the shooting.
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Andrew Roth is a former reporting intern with the Michigan Advance. He has been covering Michigan policy and politics for three years across a number of publications and studies journalism at Michigan State University.
