Daniel Zivian
Brenda Santo missing poster is one of several reminders on campus that people need to be watchful.EAST LANSING – Michigan State University has seen a rough two weeks, with several disturbing events happening in rapid succession after the football game against Michigan on Oct. 30.
The events included a riot in which two cars were flipped and several couch burnings; two shootings (one of which in downtown East Lansing) and an armed man near campus. To top it off, Brandon Santo, a Grand Valley State student who was visiting MSU, went missing on Oct. 29.
George McLaughlin, a junior, was near the post-game disturbances.
“Lately it’s been weird,” McLaughlin said. “When Brandon went missing last week, my friend said one of his buddies had a van pull up to him and ask him to get in the car, and he said no. It was pretty sketchy.”
The search for Santo has been highly visible, with flyers printed both on and off-campus. Michigan State’s administration has started issuing official updates, despite Santo not being a local student. This level of exposure has students thinking about how best to safely go about their days.
Amanda Makemson said she is pleased that the search is being given proper weight and communication by the university, but is still extra careful.
“Last year I felt super unsafe,” Makemson said. “But even with everyone back, it still does feel unsafe at times. I wouldn’t go walking around campus super late. I always try to look out for myself.”
Students felt more direct pressure Monday night, when the MSU Police sent out their first widespread alert since September. A man had carried a firearm into the Admiral gas station near Bogue Street. Shortly after, a gunshot was heard nearby.
The campus shut down for 30 minutes and, despite the scare, student Marcus Tsukahara said the quick alert and response may have bolstered confidence in campus safety.
“Overall, I feel like it’s a good warning call for any students who were not particularly conscious about their safety,” Tsukahara said. “I still feel safe around campus overall – I’m not too concerned.”
With the sun setting earlier, Tsukahara felt keeping an eye out is more important than ever, for the safety of both himself and others.
“Definitely go with a buddy system, I think even with guys,” Tsukahara said. “You don’t really know what goes on around campus these days. Share your location with at least one other person.”