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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Michigan State community was left devastated on Monday evening after yet another brutal mass shooting incident. A 43-year-old gunman opened fire at two locations on the Michigan State University campus, leaving five critically wounded and three dead. Amid the tough times for the Spartan community, many NBA stars including former MSU alumni Draymond Green and Lakers legend Magic Johnson have offered their condolences. Now, Michigan State’s NCAA coach Tom Izzo was recently seen fighting back tears while expressing his grief on the tragic incident that led to the loss of several lives.

The horrific tragedy that occurred at Michigan State University is the biggest example of the rise in mass shooting instances across the nation in recent years. Thus, gun violence has become a critical issue for America, that demands to be dealt with swiftly. Following the Michigan State mass shooting, Spartans’ men’s basketball team coach Tom Izzo almost broke into tears while offering his sympathies to the community.

Emotional Tom Izzo stands tall with Michigan State community

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In a video posted by Michigan sportscaster Brad Galli, Tom Izzo offered support to the victims, their families, and the Spartan community on his and his family’s behalf. Moreover, while representing the university’s athletic department, the NCAA veteran coach reckoned that the entire university community was gravely traumatized by the horrific mass shooting scenario. 

Further, Izzo continued, “To the families of those who were senselessly taken from us, words seem so hollow right now. To the individuals currently fighting for their lives in the hospital and their families, we are praying for you.” While expressing his sorrows about the massive loss to the Spartan community, the veteran NCAA coach’s voice got heavy as he fought hard to keep his tears at bay. 

READ MORE: After Life-Altering Gun Violence Tragedy, Draymond Green and Magic Johnson Mourn With Shaken Michigan Community

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Being a father of two Spartans himself, Izzo claimed that the pain and suffering of the families of the victims were unimaginable. Moreover, the two-time NABC Coach of the Year also commended the efforts made by the first responders, the coordinated response from law enforcement organizations, and the contribution of the doctors who played a crucial role in dealing with the aftermath of a spine-chilling tragedy.

Spartan coach urges the community to come together

Further, Tom Izzo also urged the Spartan community to work together in helping one another move on from a terrible situation. Izzo said, “I do know that we as a campus community can offer our support to you and to each other. Look around, look next to you, shake somebody’s hand, introduce yourself to someone you don’t know. That’s what we are. And that’s what we need to be at this time.”

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WATCH THIS STORY – LeBron James, Shaquille ONeal and other NBA stars react to mass shooting incidents in the USA

Moreover, the 68-year-old assured the people of the Spartan community that they would get through the tough times together like they always have.