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Authorities said Sunday that a person of interest detained overnight in connection with a deadly shooting at Brown University will be released, after investigators determined that evidence no longer supports holding the individual as the focus of the case.
Two students were killed and nine others were wounded Saturday afternoon when a gunman opened fire inside the engineering building on Brown’s campus during final exams, triggering a massive law enforcement response and days of canceled classes.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said Sunday night that while early evidence had initially pointed investigators toward the detained individual, that assessment changed as the investigation progressed.
“Some evidence pointed to this person of interest,” Neronha said. “The evidence now points in a different direction. So what that means is that this person of interest needs to be released.”
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar L. Perez Jr. said authorities were acting on a specific lead that ultimately did not pan out.
“We followed on a lead. And we followed on a specific lead,” Perez said. “That’s how investigations work. It’s not a mistake. It’s just how investigations work.”
Perez confirmed Sunday night that investigators are still searching for the person seen in surveillance video released by police, which shows a suspect dressed in black calmly walking away from the scene. The individual’s face is not visible, and officials have not said whether the person is a student or affiliated with the university.
Victims all students, officials say
Brown University President Christina Paxson said Saturday that all of the victims — both those killed and those wounded — were students. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said Sunday that seven hospitalized victims remain in stable condition and one is in critical condition. One person with less severe injuries was discharged.
“This is an incredibly upsetting and emotional time for Providence and Brown — for all of us,” Smiley said, adding that he has spoken with four of the injured students. He said not all victims’ families had yet been notified.
The shooting occurred in a first-floor classroom of the engineering building, where final exams were underway. Smiley said exterior doors to the building were unlocked at the time, though classrooms being used for exams typically require badge access.
Federal response and investigation
FBI Director Kash Patel said a command center has been established to support the investigation and that authorities have opened a digital media intake portal for the public to submit photos and videos related to the shooting.
Law enforcement officials said police activity remains ongoing in certain areas of campus that are still considered active crime scenes, though a shelter-in-place order imposed Saturday has been lifted.
Campus operations suspended
University officials announced Sunday that all remaining classes and exams for the semester have been canceled, and students are free to leave campus. Those who remain will have access to counseling and other support services, Provost Francis Doyle said in a statement.
“At this time, it is essential that we focus our efforts on providing care and support to the members of our community as we grapple with the sorrow, fear and anxiety that is impacting all of us right now,” Doyle said.
Smiley said there will be an increased police presence around Providence in the coming days to reassure residents, but officials emphasized there is no indication of an ongoing threat.
Trump offers condolences
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting Sunday during an event at the White House, offering condolences to the victims and their families.
“To the nine injured, get well fast, and to the families of those two that are no longer with us, I pay my deepest regards and respect from the United States of America,” Trump said.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said they will release additional information as it becomes available.
