A shooter dressed in black entered a Brown University classroom during final exams on Saturday, killing two students and wounding nine others.
Incident Details
The attack occurred in a classroom on the university’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island, during the final exam period. School officials confirmed that ten people who were shot were students. An eleventh person was injured by fragments from the shooting, but officials did not immediately clarify whether that victim was a student.
Police described the shooter as wearing black and said he fired at least eleven shots, resulting in two fatalities and nine injuries. The classroom was locked down shortly after the shooting, and the campus remained under lockdown until early Sunday morning.
Investigation Developments
On Sunday morning, authorities took a person of interest into custody at a Rhode Island hotel. The individual was later released after investigators determined that the evidence pointed “in a different direction.” The release was announced at a news conference late Sunday, marking a setback in the investigation.
Police renewed their search for the gunman on Monday, a day after the release. The search effort involved hundreds of officers who urged students and staff to shelter in place during the lockdown.
Authorities’ Statements
“We have a murderer out there,” said Attorney General Peter Neronha. While Providence Mayor Brett Smiley acknowledged that ”the news is likely to cause fresh anxiety for our community.”
Despite the heightened police presence, officials have not recommended another shelter‑in‑place order. The campus lockdown, which stretched into the night, was lifted early Sunday, but authorities have not yet released information about a potential motive.
Current Status
The university remains on high alert, and security measures have been increased. Police continue to investigate the incident and are seeking additional information that may help identify the shooter. The person of interest who was released is no longer considered a suspect.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Key Takeaways
- Two students were killed and nine others wounded in a classroom during final exams.
- Ten of the injured were confirmed students; an eleventh victim was injured by fragments.
- A person of interest was detained and later released after evidence pointed “in a different direction.”
The incident has left the Brown University community in shock, and authorities are working to bring closure to the victims’ families and the campus community.
