LANSING, Mich. — State and federal laws allowed 43-year-old Anthony McRae to purchase a firearm soon after his probation for a gun crime ended in May 2021, 20 months before he was accused of going on a deadly shooting rampage Monday night at Michigan State University.
McRae was able to legally purchase, possess and own a firearm after he was successfully discharged from probation, Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane told The Detroit News.
So far, authorities have not released the details of how and when the Lansing man obtained the weapon or weapons he is accused of using to kill three students and injure five others. But Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said Wednesday that individuals like McRae should be prevented from being able to buy guns right after their punishments for gun-related offenses conclude. Such a gun ownership prohibition would likely require a change in state law.
