Michigan Senate will be ‘taking action soon’ on gun legislation after MSU shooting, majority leader says

Beth LeBlanc

The Detroit News

Feb. 14—Lansing — Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks said the Michigan Senate will be “taking action soon” on gun control measures that include, at a minimum, safe storage laws, tougher universal background checks and red flag laws.

Brinks, a Grand Rapids Democrat whose daughter is a Michigan State University student, said she watched news of Monday night’s deadly shooting unfold with “dread and horror” in a campus community “where they should feel safe.”

“But today, I’m more than just a mom,” Brinks said in a press conference Tuesday. “And I know we have a responsibility.

“... We will be introducing common-sense legislation and we are prepared to get the job done,” Brinks said of the Senate’s new Democratic majority.

Brinks comments came hours after a suspected gunman killed three students and wounded five others on the campus of Michigan State University and about 15 months after four students were killed in a shooting at Oxford High School.

The shootings at Michigan State occurred Monday night, forcing students to shelter in place and bringing dozens of police vehicles and ambulances to the East Lansing campus. The suspect, Anthony McRae, was eventually located off campus and died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said MSU police Interim Deputy Chief Chris Rozman.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, an MSU alumna, on Tuesday urged action to curb gun violence, concluding her remarks to press by saying, “We must act and we will.” Whitmer called the issue of gun violence a “uniquely American problem.”

“We’re all broken by an all-toofamiliar feeling,” Whitmer said in a Tuesday morning press conference.

“Another place that is supposed to be about community and togetherness shattered by bullets and bloodshed.”

House Speaker Joe Tate, a Detroit Democrat and former MSU football team captain, said the people who elected lawmakers “have no patience for inaction.”

“We can continue to debate the reasons for gun violence in America, or we can act,” Tate said Tuesday in a statement. “We cannot continue to do the same thing over and over again and hope for a different outcome. ... I have no understanding left for those in a position to effect change who are unwilling to act.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, the House and Senate were expected to meet Wednesday for session after canceling Tuesday sessions. The Capitol is about four miles from Berkey Hall, where the suspected gunman initially opened fire.

McRae, according to court records, was given a plea deal in 2019 that allowed him to plead down from carrying a concealed pistol without a concealed carry permit — a 5-year felony — to possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle — a 2-year high court misdemeanor. He served 18 months of probation that he completed in May 2021.

Ingham County Prosecutor John

Dewane argued the sentencing guidelines for either charge likely would have led to a sentencing recommendation that fell short of jail or prison.

But McRae’s plea deal prompted some to call for better enforcement of existing firearm laws before pushing for additional regulation.

Great Lakes Gun Rights criticized the immediate push for additional gun regulation and urged Michigan residents to demand their lawmakers “oppose all gun control efforts.”

“Handgun registration laws and ‘gun-free’ zones didn’t stop this evil madman, and they won’t stop another one in the future,” said Brenden Boudreau, executive director for Great Lakes Gun Rights. “More gun control in Michigan will leave law-abiding citizens helpless when they need to defend themselves and others.”

Whitmer, a Democrat, has previously called for universal background check requirements for people who want to buy firearms, a safe storage standard for guns in the home and “extreme risk”

Gfeller...

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“It’s been a dream come true,” Gfeller said. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs.

Wrestling for Oklahoma State has always been a dream of mine. I went through some trials and tribulations and with all that, I feel like it has kind of molded me into the person I am today.

I’m very grateful for this coaching staff. I’m grateful for the fans, I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else”

On Thursday, Gfeller will wrestle his final match in Gallagher-Iba Arena — again. He will also wrestle in his final Bedlam dual — again. On Sunday, he wrestles his final regular season match against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Considering he arrived back on campus in September, Gfeller said the season has gone by quick.

“It’s gonna be exciting, again,” Gfeller said. “I feel like this year has kind of flown by, especially because I came a little late. But, It’s gonna be really exciting, hopefully, we’re gonna have a lot of people there and go out with a bang and beat OU’s… you know what.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Who: No. 6 OSU (13-2 overall, 7-1 Big 12) vs. Oklahoma (9-7, 2-5)

When: Thursday at 7 p.m.

Where: Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater, Oklahoma

TV/Radio: Big 12 Now on ESPN+, Hot 93.7 KSPI-FM

Series History: Oklahoma State has dominated the Bedlam rivalry with a staggering 148-27-10 record.