THE suspected gunman who killed three people and critically wounded five others in a rampage at Michigan State University has been found dead after a huge manhunt.
A desperate search to find the shooter continued for hours on Monday night after gunfire erupted at the East Lansing campus in Michigan shortly before 8.30pm.
Students were plunged into lockdown, with surveillance photos showing the fugitive suspect dressed in a denim jacket, red shoes and cap.
Three people were shot dead in the "senseless" attack, while five others were rushed to the hospital.
Cops later confirmed the man who appeared in the surveillance photos - a 43-year-old who is not affiliated with the university - had died after turning the gun on himself.
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"The suspect in this incident was located outside of the MSU campus and it does appear that that suspect has died from a self inflicted gunshot wound," Michigan State University Deputy Police Chief Chris Rozman said during a late-night press conference.
"It is confirmed that he is deceased."
The officer described the deadly attack as a "senseless act of violence" and a "living nightmare" for all involved.
He then went on to confirm three people had been shot dead.
Five additional victims were taken to Sparrow Hospital - all remain in critical condition.
The victims have not yet been identified and officials have not yet confirmed whether they are students.
A university alert issued at 8.30pm, warned students: “MSU Police report shots fired incident occurring on or near the East Lansing campus. Secure-in-Place immediately. 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."
More shots were fired at the university's gym and fitness center in a separate part of campus just before 9.30pm.
“There is another reported shooting at IM East. Police are responding. There are multiple reported injuries,” MSU wrote.
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Michigan State Police also issued a statement urging people to stay off campus as authorities work to rescue victims.
“Please do not go to MSU right now. Yes, it's hard to do when you have loved ones on campus or adjacent to the campus,” read the tweet.
“But it is far too dangerous as this armed suspect is moving in the area and police attempt to take them into custody. As always scanner traffic is inaccurate.”
Authorities have since said they believe only one gunman was involved.
They stressed there is no longer any threat to campus, with students no longer under lockdown.
It comes after Michigan State troopers were seen on campus with rifles and instructed people to stay inside and away from windows.
Deputy Police Chief Chris Rozman said hundreds of officers from different agencies were on campus.
Video taken by those sheltering inside showed dozens of police cars heading to the scene.
'ACTIVE SHOOTER'
“Community members on and off campus should continue to shelter in place. Police are continuing to respond," the university said in later updates on Twitter.
"We are still receiving multiple calls of an active shooter on campus."
Police scanner audio revealed that officers were going floor to floor clearing buildings as they searched for the suspect.
The incident spanned several areas of campus after the initial shots fired call came in from near Berkey Hall.
Students were being rushed to a “safe zone” as the scary scene unfolded.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she had been briefed on the shooting and informed citizens that Michigan State Police is on the ground working with campus police and local law enforcement.
“Let’s wrap our arms around the Spartan community tonight. We will keep everyone updated 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 have been canceled for the next 48 hours.
The news comes just one day shy of 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, murdering 17 people and injuring 17 others.
Cruz pled guilty and was eventually sentenced to 34 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.
