PICTURED: Michigan State University gunman who fired shots on campus – killing at least three

At least three people have been shot dead and five more taken to hospital – some with life-threatening injuries – after a gunman opened fire at Michigan State University on Monday night.

The suspect remains at large, and police on Monday night released a photo of the man, who they described as a short black male wearing a mask, red shoes, jean jackets and a baseball cap.

‘Remain sheltered in place,’ said Chris Rozman, the interim deputy chief of Michigan State University Police said.

Police in Michigan have released this photo of the suspected gunman

The suspected gunman, pictured, remains at large and was last seen leaving the union building

Police gave their first press conference at 11pm, and have promised a second update at midnight

Terrified students are seen trying to reach safety on Monday night, checking their phones for the latest information

Students are being told to shelter in place as the shooter remains at large

University students embrace following the shooting on campus on Monday night

Rozman said the incident began at 8:18pm in Berkey Hall, on campus.

‘We were quickly on scene, within minutes, and there we did locate several victims of a shooting.

‘The incident did move to a building in close proximity – the Michigan State Union building, where there was another report of a shooting immediately after the report of the first incident.’

Rozman said there was ‘an overwhelming law enforcement response’ to the shooting. 

He said there was one suspect and he was ‘last seen leaving the MSU Union on foot on the north side of that building.’ 

The shooting comes on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Valentine’s Day shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, which killed 17 people.

An officer is seen responding to the scene in East Lansing, Michigan, on Monday night

Police are on the campus, responding to the reports of an active shooter

The first shots were reported at 8:30pm near Berkey Hall. Michigan State University is located on one of the biggest and greenest campuses in the nation, spread over 5,200 acres in East Lansing

The campus was on lockdown on Monday night as police responded to reports of a shooting

A massive police presence is on campus, with agents from the FBI and ATF as well as campus police and state forces

Students wrapped up in blankets are seen outside the campus buildings, having been evacuated

The University tweeted at 8:30pm: ‘MSU ALERT: There have been shots fired near Berkey Hall on the East Lansing campus. 

‘Please secure-in-place immediately. Police are active on scene. More information to follow.’

Students were sheltering in place.

An alert sent shortly after 8:30pm urges people to ‘run, hide, fight.’

‘Run means evacuate away from danger if you can do so safely, Hide means to secure-in-place, and Fight means protect yourself if no other option.’

One report said there was a person running across campus with a long gun and a hood up.

MSU said there was a suspect on foot, and they believe the gunman is acting alone. 

About an hour later, campus police reported: ‘There is another reported shooting at IM East.’ 

IM East is a campus fitness center about a mile away from Berkey Hall, where police first reported shots were fired. 

Police are seen on campus at Michigan State University in East Lansing, after reports of an active shooter

MSU tweeted at 10:10pm EST: ‘Victims are currently being transported to Sparrow Hospital. 

‘Brody Hall, Snyder/Phillips Hall, Mason Hall, Abbot Hall, Landon Hall, the MSU Union, and Berkey Hall have all been cleared/secured.

A correspondent on the scene for Fox News 59 reported that people were being escorted from Berkey Hall, and they appeared to be bloody.

Detroit ATF was responding to the scene, accompanied by the FBI.

‘The FBI is responding to assist in the reports of an active shooter on the Michigan State University campus,’ they tweeted. 

‘Additional updates will be provided as they become available.’

Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, tweeted: ‘I’ve been briefed on the shooting at Michigan State University. 

‘The Michigan State Police along with @MSUPolice, local law enforcement and first responders are on the ground. 

‘Let’s wrap our arms around the Spartan community tonight. 

‘We will keep everyone updated as we learn more.’

Gary Peters, a senator representing Michigan, said: ‘My staff and I are closely tracking the horrifying shooting at Michigan State University and are in contact with local officials. 

‘I urge students and the East Lansing community to stay safe and follow guidance from law enforcement.’

East Lansing Public Schools have notified parents of students that the K-12 schools in the district will be closed on Tuesday, while the Michigan State University shooting situation is assessed.

The university itself has also cancelled all classes. 

Michigan State University is situated in East Lansing, three miles east of Michigan’s capitol in Lansing.

Home to 50,000 students, it is located on one of the biggest and greenest campuses in the nation, spread over 5,200 acres.