MSU Settles with Hanyang Tao, Survivor of 2023 Campus Shooting
Michigan State University (MSU) has reached a $2.45 million settlement with Hanyang Tao, a student who survived the tragic February 13, 2023 mass shooting on campus. Tao sustained a spinal injury after being shot while fleeing Berkey Hall, leaving him with chronic pain due to bullet fragments still lodged in his back.
Claims of Negligence Against the University
Tao’s lawsuit alleged that MSU failed to provide adequate security measures to protect students. The legal complaint cited several shortcomings, including the absence of a reliable campus-wide alert system, classrooms that could not be locked from the inside, and the lack of armed security officers at key campus locations.
OLEVS Men's Watches
From $21.39
View productThe settlement resolves Tao’s claims, although MSU has not admitted fault. The university stated that the agreements are intended to provide support and relief for survivors and their families.
Other Survivors Reached Multi-Million Dollar Settlements
Tao is not the only survivor to receive compensation. Earlier in 2025, MSU finalized additional settlements with others injured in the shooting:
- Nathan Statly – $14.25 million
- Yukai “John” Hao – $13 million
- Troy Forbush – $2.5 million
- Justin Bowman – $50,000
These settlements follow the late 2023 agreements reached with the families of students who were killed during the attack.
The 2023 Michigan State University Shooting
On February 13, 2023, 43-year-old gunman Anthony McRae opened fire inside Berkey Hall and the MSU Union. He killed three students and injured several others before dying by suicide after being confronted by police about six kilometers from campus. McRae had no known connection to the university.
Why These Settlements Matter
For survivors and families, the settlements represent both accountability and an attempt to move forward after the devastating tragedy. Legal experts note that the size of the settlements reflects both the seriousness of the injuries and the broader questions of campus security raised by the attack.
“While no settlement can undo the trauma, this outcome helps provide the care, support, and resources needed for survivors to continue their recovery,” an MSU spokesperson said in a statement.
0 Comments