Authorities have apprehended a “person of interest” connected to the heartbreaking shooting at Brown University, which resulted in the deaths of two students and left nine others injured during exams conducted prior to winter break. The suspect, a man in his 20s, was captured in a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, located roughly 30 minutes from the university’s campus. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed that no further suspects are currently being sought, highlighting the ongoing investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that a specialized FBI team utilized cellular data analysis and geolocation technology to track down the suspect. This incident is part of a troubling trend, being one of nearly 400 mass shootings reported across the United States in 2023, as documented by the Gun Violence Archive, which underscores the persistent issue of gun violence that continues to affect numerous communities.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Brown University has canceled all exams and classes for the remainder of the calendar year, creating a somber atmosphere on campus as a light snowfall covered the city. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley addressed the community, acknowledging the ongoing effort to notify affected families, some of whom were traveling during the incident. He encouraged residents to participate in a scheduled community event to light a Christmas tree and menorah, emphasizing the importance of unity during such difficult times.
Regarding the condition of the injured, Mayor Smiley reported that seven individuals are stable, while one remains in critical but stable condition. Fortunately, one person has already been discharged from the hospital. Although shelter-in-place orders in the university and nearby areas were lifted on Sunday, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant due to an increased police presence throughout the city.
The tragic shooting occurred in a classroom within Brown’s Barus & Holley engineering and physics building, where the outer doors had reportedly been left unlocked during the exam period. As the investigation unfolds, the community is coming together in a show of resilience and hope, seeking healing and support in the wake of this devastating event.