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Police detain person of interest in fatal Brown University shooting
Providence authorities confirmed the arrest of a suspect early Sunday following a shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others injured. The campus shelter-in-place order has since been lifted.
Timeline of the attack
The gunfire erupted around 4:00 p.m. local time (21:00 GMT) on Saturday in the Holley engineering building, located on the eastern edge of Brown's campus. Officials stated the assailant targeted a classroom before fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement sources told CBS News the suspect was taken into custody at a nearby hotel overnight. Authorities confirmed the individual is not affiliated with Brown University.
Victims and campus response
Brown University President Christina Paxson revealed in a Saturday press briefing that all victims-both the deceased and the wounded-were students. Their identities have not been released.
In a Sunday statement, Paxson noted that approximately 2,000 students were evacuated to secure locations overnight. She praised the community's response, highlighting local residents who opened their homes to displaced students. Support services are being provided to the families of the two students killed.
"There are not enough words of comfort for families who lose a child, but we will do all we can."
Christina Paxson, Brown University President
Investigation and aftermath
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez announced Sunday that no additional suspects are being sought. Officers, alongside prosecutors, are gathering evidence as the investigation continues. Earlier, authorities released CCTV footage showing a male suspect in all-black clothing leaving the scene, though no firearm was recovered during a building sweep.
Seven of the injured remain hospitalized in stable condition, with one in critical but stable condition. Another victim has been discharged.
Community and national reaction
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley lifted the shelter-in-place order Sunday, allowing residents to resume normal activities. "We have trained for this moment, but this is not something any community should have to train for," he said.
Hundreds of local and federal law enforcement officers were deployed to Providence on Saturday to locate the suspect. President Donald Trump addressed the incident from the White House, calling it a "terrible thing."
The shooting marks the 389th mass shooting in the U.S. this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines such incidents as involving four or more victims, excluding the attacker.
Ongoing restrictions
Brown University has maintained restricted access to certain campus areas as police proceed with their investigation.
