Police have a person of interest in custody following the Brown University shooting that resulted in 2 deaths and 9 injuries.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A person of interest remains in custody following a shooting at Brown University that resulted in the tragic deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. The incident occurred on Saturday during a critical period of final exams, prompting a swift and chaotic response from local authorities.
The shooting unfolded around midday within the engineering building of the Ivy League institution. The scene quickly escalated into a lockdown, as hundreds of law enforcement officers searched the campus and nearby Providence neighborhoods for the shooter. Students and staff were instructed to shelter in place until authorities confirmed the area was secure. Although the lockdown was lifted early Sunday morning, critical questions about the motive behind the attack remain unanswered.
Providence Police Chief, Col. Oscar Perez, disclosed that the individual in custody is in their 20s and emphasized that no charges had been filed at this time. The suspect was apprehended at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry, approximately 20 miles from the university, where investigators were seen blocking off a hallway as they processed the scene.
The impact of the shooting prompted Brown University to cancel all remaining classes and final examinations for the semester, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. The campus, known for its vibrant community, is now grappling with the aftermath of this violent event. College President Christina Paxson expressed her deep concern for the affected students and their families, highlighting the collective support and resilience evident within the campus community.
Reports state that the assailant fired over 40 rounds from a 9 mm handgun within a classroom setting. Law enforcement officials recovered two handguns and multiple loaded magazines during the apprehension of the suspect. Currently, one of the injured students has been discharged from the hospital, while the remaining seven are classified as being in critical but stable condition.
Local officials have indicated that residents can expect heightened police presence in the wake of the incident, as many businesses in the area opted to close their doors over the weekend. In a show of community solidarity, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley invited residents to gather for a scheduled lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah, emphasizing the importance of uniting during difficult times.
As Brown University continues to address the fallout from this incident, members of the community are left in shock, grappling with the reality of violence in a space traditionally associated with safety and education. Investigators are now looking into how the shooter gained access to the locked classroom during what is typically an intense yet peaceful period of academic life at the university.
