Michigan State University is reviewing how it shares safety information and makes alert decisions after two shootings wounded five people in East Lansing early Sunday, Nov. 1.
President Kevin Guskiewicz explained why university police did not issue an emergency alert in a Nov. 1 message to the university community. He said the shootings occurred off campus and police had not identified an ongoing threat to campus.
Guskiewicz acknowledged that students and families may have expected an alert. He said the university would continue working with local public safety agencies to clarify responsibilities and identify gaps in communication protocols.
Two shootings investigated
Three people were shot near M.A.C. Avenue and Linden Street. Two others were wounded near Frye Avenue and Stoddard Street, according to reporting by The State News.
At a Sunday news conference, East Lansing Police Chief Jennifer Brown said four victims were in stable condition and police did not know the fifth person’s condition, the Lansing State Journal reported.
University police assisted East Lansing police. Guskiewicz said the incidents did not involve anyone from the MSU community, although they occurred in areas where students live and spend time.
The city’s Nov. 1 release said police were investigating both shootings and reported no known threat to the community at that time.
Police also arrested drivers on suspicion of operating while intoxicated after two separate crashes injured pedestrians. Those incidents were separate from the shootings.
The city said firefighters responded to 91 incidents over 24 hours, including 75 overnight.
How the alert systems work
MSU’s alert system operates separately from community alerts provided through East Lansing and Ingham County’s Smart911 service.
According to MSU’s current alert FAQ, the federal Clery Act requires certain emergency notifications and timely warnings.
Emergency notifications concern confirmed emergencies or dangerous situations involving an immediate threat to students or employees on campus. Timely warnings concern specified crimes within the university’s Clery Act reporting geography that pose a serious or continuing threat.
Guskiewicz’s message explains the university’s reasoning for not issuing an alert; it does not announce a formal investigation into that decision.
Receiving safety information
MSU says students and employees are automatically enrolled in its alert system. They can check their contact information and notification preferences through the MSU Alert website.
Other community members can receive MSU notifications through the SafeMSU app or by texting MSUALERT to 888777. Message and data rates may apply.
Residents can separately register for local emergency notifications through East Lansing’s Smart911 information page.
