Fort Custer State Park Shooting: Active Shooter Prompts Lockdown at Fort Custer in Michigan, Suspect Still at Large
A tense and frightening situation unfolded today at Fort Custer State Park in Michigan, where an active shooter incident prompted a full lockdown of the park and surrounding areas.
The event began in the early afternoon of July 15, 2025, when initial reports of gunfire near the park’s beach area sent visitors and staff into panic. According to eyewitnesses and initial law enforcement statements, shots were fired in the vicinity of the main beach, one of the park’s most popular areas for families and campers.
Park rangers and emergency responders were immediately deployed. A ranger at the front entrance confirmed that shots had indeed been fired and instructed all visitors to either evacuate the area or shelter in place.
Early accounts indicate that the suspect was briefly apprehended near the beach but somehow escaped custody, leading authorities to believe the individual may still be armed and in the vicinity. Local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies have responded to the situation and are working in coordination to locate the suspect.
The entire park has been placed under lockdown. Rangers are assisting in clearing trails and facilities, urging visitors to stay indoors, lock vehicles, and avoid any wooded or remote areas until the all-clear is given. DNR officers and law enforcement have closed off all park entrances, and helicopters have been seen circling overhead as part of the search operation.
Park visitor Rebecca Torres, who was camping with her family, described the chaotic scene:
“We heard loud bangs, and within minutes, people were running from the beach. Rangers started shouting for everyone to stay in place. We’ve been locked in our RV for over an hour. It’s terrifying — especially with kids.”
Local law enforcement officials have not released a description of the suspect, but they have confirmed that no fatalities have been reported as of this time, and the number of injuries, if any, remains unclear. The identity of the suspect, a possible motive, and whether the shooter was known to law enforcement prior to the incident remain under investigation.
The Michigan State Police, along with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office and federal park authorities, are now spearheading the manhunt. Authorities are urging anyone in or around the park who sees suspicious activity or an individual matching the suspect’s description to call 911 immediately and not approach.
Nearby residents in Augusta and Battle Creek have been alerted and asked to remain indoors while the search continues. Multiple schools and businesses in the region were temporarily placed on alert or lockdown as a precaution.
Fort Custer State Park is a popular destination for hiking, biking, camping, and swimming, attracting thousands of visitors during the summer months. The timing of the incident, during peak season, has added to the urgency and scale of the emergency response.
As the situation continues to develop, updates will be provided by law enforcement and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Authorities have assured the public that every resource is being deployed to bring the suspect into custody and ensure the safety of all parkgoers.
