April 29, 2026
EAST LANSING, Mich. --- The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety (DPPS) is providing an update on the situation at Wells Hall that prompted the closure of the building beginning on April 27, 2026.
This past week, DPPS responded to reports of property damage inside Wells Hall. The damage to the building is directly related to alleged criminal activity. Due to the fact that this is an open and active investigation, we are limited in the information we can share.
DPPS identified a suspect connected to these incidents. MSU police officers made contact with that individual inside Wells Hall on Sunday, April 26, 2026. That individual was in possession of multiple substances that can be legally purchased in retail stores or online. The chemicals include sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, methanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone, and butane.
As a result of the ongoing investigation, DPPS developed probable cause to arrest the suspect. The case was presented to the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office today, and felony criminal charges were issued for malicious destruction of a building over $20,000 and felony controlled substance-operate/maintain lab involving methamphetamine. The suspect was arraigned on April 29, 2026, just before 5:00 p.m. and is being held at the Ingham County Jail on a $500,000 cash or surety bond. The suspect is Xin Tong, a 31-year-old male.
Wells Hall will remain closed through Friday, May 1, as officials continue to evaluate the building to ensure it is safe for occupancy. DPPS will continue to update the community as the investigation continues.
The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety was assisted by the East Lansing Fire Department, Michigan State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and MSU Environmental Health and Safety.
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Media Contact:
Deputy Chief Chris Rozman
Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety
517-432-7940 | RozmanC@dpps.msu.edu