Michigan State University gunman found with note threatening Ewing, New Jersey schools
Police say their investigation indicated that Anthony McRae has not lived in the Ewing area in several years.
EWING, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police in Ewing Township, New Jersey, say the decision to close the school district on Tuesday came after the man who shot eight people at Michigan State University, killing three, was found with a note threatening Ewing schools.
Out of an abundance of caution, Ewing Public Schools announced all its schools would be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Police say the gunman who killed himself hours after fatally shooting three students at Michigan State University was 43-year-old Anthony McRae.
Ewing Township police say McRae had ties to the Ewing area and apparently had an old issue with the school district.
He had a three-page document on him expressing reasons for the attack and listing other additional locations in Franklin Park, New Jersey, as well as Michigan and Colorado.
Ewing police were immediately notified of the threat to two schools.
Investigators say that McRae had a history of mental health issues.
"As the investigation continued, and out of an abundance of caution, the Ewing Public Schools were closed for the day," Ewing police said. "Officers from Ewing and surrounding agencies were stationed at each closed public school as well as other schools in the township."
Ewing police say that after further investigation it was determined the incident was isolated to Michigan and "there is no threat to Ewing schools."
Police say their investigation indicated that McRae has not lived in the Ewing area in several years.
Officials said Ewing schools will resume on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
WATCH: Authorities ID MSU shooter
Police say five Michigan State University students remain in critical condition following the mass shooting.
The shooting began Monday night at an academic building and later moved to the nearby student union.
Police say McRae shot himself miles from campus while being confronted by officers. Chris Rozman, deputy chief of campus police, says investigators still "have absolutely no idea" what McRae's motive was.
McRae was not a student or Michigan State employee.
The superintendent of Ewing Public Schools reiterated in a message to the school community that there was no threat to any of the schools.
"After further investigation, it has been determined that the incident is isolated to Michigan, and there is no threat to Ewing Schools. Information received during our investigation indicated that McRae has not resided in the Ewing area in several years," part of the letter said. "Our hearts go out to the victims in Michigan. The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to cooperate and partner with the Ewing Police Department in the wake of this incident. Thank you for your patience and support.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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