The alleged Michigan State University shooter was found dead after killing three and wounding five in a campus shooting in East Lansing

THE suspected gunman believed to have shot dead three people and seriously injured five others at Michigan State University last night was later found dead after vandalizing the campus.

A frantic search for the shooter continued for hours Monday night after gunfire erupted on the East Lansing campus just before 8:30 p.m.

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Students were thrown into lockdown, with surveillance photos showing the suspect outdoors in a denim jacket, red shoes and cap.

Three people were shot dead in the “pointless” attack, while five others were taken to hospital.

Police later confirmed the man seen in the surveillance photos – a 43-year-old unaffiliated with the university – had died after pointing the gun at himself.

“The suspect in this incident was off MSU campus and it appears that this suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Michigan State University Deputy Police Chief Chris Rozman said during a late night news briefing.

“It is confirmed that he is deceased.”

The official described the fatal attack as a “senseless act of violence” and a “living nightmare” for all involved.

He then confirmed that three people had been shot.

Five other victims were taken to Sparrow Hospital – all are still in critical condition.

The victims have not yet been identified and officials have not yet confirmed if they are students.

A college alert issued at 8:30 p.m. warned students, “MSU police are reporting shots fired on or near the East Lansing campus. Safely in place immediately. Run, hide, fight.

“Running means moving away from danger when you can do so safely, hiding means securing yourself in place, and fighting means protecting yourself when there is no other option.”

Just before 9:30 p.m., more shots were fired at the university’s gymnasium and fitness center on a separate part of campus.

“There is another reported shooting at IM East. The police react. There are multiple reported injuries,” MSU wrote.

Michigan State Police also issued a statement urging people to stay off campus while authorities work to rescue victims.

“Please don’t go to MSU now. Yes, that’s hard when you have loved ones on campus or off campus,” the tweet said.

“But it’s far too dangerous as this armed suspect is moving around the area and the police are trying to arrest him. As always, scanner traffic is inaccurate.”

Authorities have since said they believe only one shooter was involved.

They stressed that the campus was no longer under threat and students were no longer under lockdown.

It comes after Michigan state police officers were spotted with guns on campus and ordered people to stay indoors and away from windows.

Deputy Police Chief Chris Rozman said hundreds of officers from various agencies were on campus.

Video Footage captured by those hiding inside showed dozens of police cars driving to the scene.

‘ACTIVE PROTECTOR’

“Community members on and off campus should continue to shelter in place. Police continue to respond,” the university said in later updates on Twitter.

“We’re still getting multiple calls from an active gunman on campus.”

Police scanner audio revealed officers cleared buildings from floor to floor as they searched for the suspect.

The incident spread across several areas of campus after gunfire first rang out near Berkey Hall.

The students were taken to a “safe zone” as the frightening scene unfolded.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she was briefed on the shooting and had informed citizens that Michigan State Police were working with campus police and local law enforcement on the scene.

“Let’s wrap our arms around the Spartan community tonight. We’ll update everyone as we learn more,” Whitmer said.

The Detroit Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was also on campus and all activities at the university were canceled for the next 48 hours.

The news comes just a day before the five-year anniversary of the Parkland shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Nikolas Cruz, a former student at the school, opened fire on students and staff, killing 17 people and injuring 17 others.

Cruz pleaded guilty and was eventually sentenced to 34 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

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