Thousands gather at Michigan State University to honor shooting victims

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Thousands of people gathered on Michigan State University campus Wednesday to honor and remember the victims and first responders of Monday’s shooting.

Brian Fraser, Alexandria Verner and Arielle Anderson, all undergraduate students at Michigan State University, were killed and five other students remain in critical condition at Sparrow Hospital.

Related: Timeline of events in Michigan State University shooting

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, MSU interim president Teresa Woodruff, Tom Izzo and other university leaders spoke at the vigil.

“Alexandria was noted for her engagement and kindness, Brian was a leader in our greek community and Arielle was headed toward a career of service as a physician,” Woodruff said.

All speakers had one common theme: working through the tragedy as a community.

“We know there is much goodness and light in this community and it outshines the darkness,” Whitmer said. “And we know that we are Spartan Strong.”

“Our presence here tonight demonstrates there is comfort and hope in the community of the bereaved, for we are not alone,” Woodruff said.

MSU undergraduate student body president Jo Kovach was emotional throughout her speech, where she expressed anger that the tragedy took place on the campus she loves dearly.

“There will never be a return to normal. This event has changed what that will feel like for us forever, but that’s OK,” Kovach said.

Students and members of the community placed flowers on various campus landmarks. One student said she felt it was important for her to attend the vigil, that it was her way to support her classmates and the families impacted.

“You always see it on the news, it’s always around you, but you never expect it to be right here where you go to school,” said Maryam Esho. “And when it does, it’s a lot different.”

News 10 has verified a GoFundMe page for Fraser’s family.

You can watch the full vigil below.

Friends, family and members of the East Lansing community gathered Wednesday to honor and remember the victims and first responders of Monday’s shooting.

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