A mass shooting occurred on the campus of Brown University in Rhode Island during final exams, leaving two dead and at least nine injured. Police detained a “person of interest” early Sunday morning, but no formal suspect has been identified so far.
The shooting took place on the afternoon of Dec. 13 in a first-floor classroom of Brown’s well-known Barus and Holley Engineering Building, where students were preparing for final exams.
One person detained, police continue collecting evidence
Col. Oscar Perez, Chief of Providence Police, confirmed at a press briefing that a man in his 30s had been detained and that his appearance matches the previously released description of the shooter — dressed entirely in black.
According to the Daily Mail, the man was taken from a Hampton Inn in Coventry early Sunday morning; Politico reported that police did not disclose the exact location of the arrest or confirm any direct connection to Brown University. Perez emphasized that police are not currently searching for other suspects but will continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews in coordination with prosecutors.
The firearm used has not yet been recovered, but law enforcement revealed that two 30-round magazines filled with bullets were found at the scene. Investigators stated the shooter fired at least 40 rounds of 9mm ammunition from a handgun.
Lockdown lasts hours, city on high alert
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The first 911 call came in at 4:05 p.m. on Saturday, and police arrived around 4:22 p.m. Because the engineering building’s exterior doors were unlocked, the shooter was able to enter directly and fled toward nearby Hope Street before police could conduct a full search.
The campus descended into chaos. University authorities issued emergency alerts instructing students and staff to “Run, Hide, Fight.” Students barricaded classroom and dorm doors with desks and chairs and sent messages to loved ones. Social media quickly circulated images of blocked entrances.
Surveillance footage released by police showed a man in black walking briskly away at the corner of Waterman Street. CNN reported that the man in the footage was detained around 3 a.m.
The “shelter-in-place” order lasted several hours, paralyzing the campus and surrounding community until it was lifted around 7 a.m. Sunday.
Mayor and university president: ‘A heartbreaking moment’
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that two people died and nine were injured, eight of whom are still hospitalized and are Brown students. He said tips from the community were “critical” to the early morning detention.
“Residents of Providence can breathe a slight sigh of relief this morning,” Smiley said, announcing increased police presence for the day to “reassure and protect the community.” He became emotional when discussing the event: “Rationally, we know things like this can happen anywhere, but when it happens in our own community, the impact is completely different.”
Brown University President Christina Paxson also said at a press briefing that the campus remains in shock. “Everyone is still processing this. We have a long road to recovery. Our community is strong, but this tragedy is heartbreaking.”
Several local businesses have announced temporary closures to mourn the victims and show support for the community.
