Today, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MIAAP) released the following statement from chapter president Abeba Berhane, MD, FAAP regarding the tragic shooting that took place at Michigan State University on Monday evening:

“The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is devastated by the mass shooting yesterday at Michigan State University. On behalf of our 1,500 members, we send our love and support to the entire Michigan State University community, especially students, staff and families. The loss of three lives, the five others injured and the countless others who are all affected by yesterday’s shooting are in our thoughts. This tragedy hits so close to home for us all, including the countless Michigan State students, staff, families, and alumni in our Chapter.

As we said just 14 months ago after the Oxford High School Shooting in November 2021, pediatricians will be there to help tend to the physical, mental, and emotional wounds that have been left behind by yet another senseless act of gun violence in our community. We will also continue to work with our state’s elected leaders to advocate for evidenced-based gun violence prevention laws outlined in AAP policy such as waiting periods, universal background checks, and extreme risk protections orders.

The mission of the MIAAP is to improve the physical, mental and social health of Michigan’s infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Incidents like the shooting last night will forever impact the lives of many young people and families in Michigan. It is time that we as pediatricians, families and citizens enact real solutions so we do not have to keep putting ourselves, our children and our families through these traumatic events.”