Michigan State University has announced that all athletic events, along with classes, and any other activities on campus will be suspended over the next two days, following a tragic shooting on campus on Monday night.

Michigan State's men's basketball team was set to face Minnesota on Wednesday, while the Women's team was scheduled to visit Purdue. The men's tennis team was also set to face off against Drake.

The Spartans also had events scheduled on Friday for baseball, men's ice hockey, wrestling, softball, women's gymnastics, men's tennis, and women's tennis, but the school has not yet made an announcement on those games.

'All campus activities are canceled for 48 hours, including athletics, classes, and all campus-related activities. Please DO NOT come to campus tomorrow.'

Shortly before 8:30 p.m. shootings rang out in an academic building, and also nearby at the school's student union, a popular gathering spot, said Chris Rozman, interim deputy chief of the campus police department.

It was confirmed four hours later that the shooter had died, having turned the gun on himself after killing three and hospitalizing a further five. 

'The suspect was located outside of the MSU campus and has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound,' said Marlon Lynch, chief of Michigan State University Police.

'This truly has been a nightmare.'

The unnamed suspect - described by cops as a short, black male, and pictured wearing a mask, red shoes, a jean jacket and a baseball cap - killed two at Berkey Hall and one at the university union. 

Police chief Rozman said the incident began at 8:18pm in Berkey Hall, on campus.

'We were quickly on scene, within minutes, and there we did locate several victims of a shooting.

'The incident did move to a building in close proximity - the Michigan State Union building, where there was another report of a shooting immediately after the report of the first incident.'

Rozman said there was 'an overwhelming law enforcement response' to the shooting. 

The shooting comes on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Valentine's Day shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida, which killed 17 people.

Gretchen Whitmer, the governor of Michigan, tweeted: 'I've been briefed on the shooting at Michigan State University. 

'The Michigan State Police along with @MSUPolice, local law enforcement and first responders are on the ground. 

'Let's wrap our arms around the Spartan community tonight. 

'We will keep everyone updated as we learn more.'

Gary Peters, a senator representing Michigan, said: 'My staff and I are closely tracking the horrifying shooting at Michigan State University and are in contact with local officials. 

'I urge students and the East Lansing community to stay safe and follow guidance from law enforcement.'

East Lansing Public Schools have notified parents of students that the K-12 schools in the district will be closed on Tuesday, while the Michigan State University shooting situation is assessed.

The university itself has also cancelled all classes. 

Michigan State University is situated in East Lansing, three miles east of Michigan's capitol in Lansing.

Home to 50,000 students, it is located on one of the biggest and greenest campuses in the nation, spread over 5,200 acres.