Michigan Gunman Had Note In Pocket Indicating Threat To Mercer School: Police

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Ewing Public Schools closed all schools in the district Tuesday morning after information of a possible threat.

At 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Ewing Police received information from New Jersey State Police about a possible connection between the mass shooting at Michigan State University in East Lansing, and Ewing, police said.

The shooter, Anthony McRae, 43, had local ties to Ewing, according to investigation. When McRae was found by police in Michigan, he had a note in his pocket that indicated a threat to two Ewing public schools, police said.

"Investigation revealed that McRae had a history of mental health issues," Ewing police said.

As the investigation continued, Ewing Public Schools were closed for the day out of an abundance of caution. Officers from Ewing and surrounding agencies were stationed at each closed public school as well as the other schools in the Township.

Police have determined that the incident is isolated to Michigan, and there is no threat to Ewing schools.

Police said McRae has not resided in the Ewing area in several years. Officers will remain at all schools for the day, and normal school schedule is expected to resume Wednesday.

On Tuesday morning, Ewing School District closed all its schools and posted a message on its website and social media.

Additional officers from Ewing and partner agencies were deployed to all Ewing public and private schools.

TCNJ, Trenton Schools Increased Security

The College of New Jersey, also located in Ewing, increased security measures on campus after the school district was made to close for the day. Although no direct threat was made the college, administrators required swipe access to academic buildings while law enforcement investigated.

The swipe requirement was lifted after investigators found no threat to any institutions in Mercer County.

Meanwhile, Trenton Public Schools had additional police officers patrolling school grounds throughout the day. The school district was informed about the possible threat to Ewing Schools early Tuesday morning.

"The Trenton Police Department’s Director learned that the alleged threat is not specific to schools in our district; however, additional officers will be patrolling schools throughout the day," TPS told the community. "District officials have been in regular communication with TPD and will continue to work together to ensure the safety of our staff and students."

Lawrence Township Public Schools told parents it was working closely with the police department to keep students and staff safe.

"I have been in constant communication with our police chief, who has confirmed that there is no threat to our schools," Superintendent Ross Kasun said in a letter to the community.

"Although this information reduces the immediate concern, I want to reinforce our focus on school safety and security. Please remember and remind your children if you see something, say something. This simple phrase reminds us that we all play a critical role in school safety."

McRae killed five people and left five critically injured Monday night, according to the university's deputy police chief. All were Michigan State students.

After the shooting, police said found McRae dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a Lansing home a few miles away from the university's campus. He didn't have any affiliations with the university as a student or employee, officials said.

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