A person of interest is in custody following a mass shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine others injured, authorities said early Sunday.
Arrest Made After Overnight Manhunt
Providence Police confirmed the individual was detained around 3:45 a.m. at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, roughly 28 miles south of Providence. Law enforcement sources said the person was allegedly found in possession of two firearms at the time of detention. Officials emphasized the individual is not a Brown University student.
City Lifts Shelter-in-Place Order
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the arrest at a Sunday morning news conference, saying the city’s shelter-in-place order had been lifted. Authorities said no additional suspects are being sought, adding that residents can “breathe a little easier.”
Tip From Public Proved Crucial
Police said a tip from the public led investigators to the hotel where the person of interest was located. Federal sources noted the individual is still being referred to as a person of interest, but investigators are confident they are moving in the right direction.
Details of the Campus Shooting
The shooting occurred Saturday at Brown’s Barus & Holley building on the College Hill campus, where engineering and physics classes are held. University President Christina H. Paxson said the gunfire erupted inside a lecture hall during a final exam review session.
Victims and Hospital Updates
Two students were killed in what Paxson described as a day of “devastating gun violence.” Of the nine people injured, eight remained hospitalized Sunday morning. Seven were reported in stable condition, while one was listed as critical but stable.
Campus Status and Ongoing Investigation
Brown University lifted its shelter-in-place order early Sunday, though police activity continues in areas still considered active crime scenes. The FBI and local authorities previously released surveillance footage of the person of interest walking near campus shortly after the shooting as part of the investigation.
Community Response
“Our hearts go out to them,” Paxson said in a statement. “This is a day of tremendous sorrow. No parent or family member should ever have to endure a day like this.”
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.