Providence, R.I. – Law enforcement announced Sunday night that the person of interest detained after the Brown University shooting, which left two students dead and nine injured, will be released because authorities found no basis to keep him in custody.
No current suspect in deadly shooting
The release leaves police without a known suspect. Officials said they will intensify the search for video surveillance that could identify the shooter.
“We have a murderer out there,” Attorney General Peter Neronha said. Mayor Brett Smiley warned the news could cause fresh anxiety for the community.
Despite an enhanced police presence, officials are not recommending another shelter‑in‑place order. The lockdown that began Saturday afternoon was lifted early Sunday, and a motive has not been disclosed.
Shooting occurred during busy period on campus
The attack happened as final exams were underway. Brown University cancelled all remaining classes, exams, papers and projects for the semester and told students they could leave campus.
University President Christina Paxson tearfully described students supporting each other, adding there was “a lot of gratitude.”
The gunman opened fire inside a classroom in the engineering building, firing more than 40 rounds from a 9 mm handgun. Two handguns, two loaded 30‑round magazines and a laser sight were recovered.
One of the nine wounded students has been released from the hospital; seven remain in critical but stable condition and one is in critical condition.
Durham Academy in North Carolina confirmed that recent graduate Kendall Turner was critically wounded, and her parents were with her.
Community comes together to remember victims
On Sunday evening city leaders, residents and others gathered at a park for a memorial that had originally been scheduled as a Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting.
Mayor Smiley said the Hanukkah story underscores the power of community light in dark times. He also noted the resilience and gratitude expressed by survivors, some of whom cited high‑school active‑shooting drills as helpful.
Exams were underway when the shooting began
Investigators are still unsure how the shooter entered the first‑floor classroom of the Barus & Holley building, a seven‑story complex housing the School of Engineering and physics department.
Outer doors were unlocked, but rooms used for final exams required badge access.
Emma Ferraro, a chemical engineering student, was in the lobby working on a final project when she heard the gunshots and sought shelter for several hours.
Surveillance video released by police showed a suspect dressed in black walking away from the scene.
Eva Erickson, a doctoral candidate and former “Survivor” contestant, left her lab 15 minutes before the shots rang out and later described being locked down in the campus gym.
Brown senior biochemistry student Alex Bruce was in his dorm across the street when sirens sounded, saying he was “just in here shaking.”
Brown University, the seventh‑oldest higher education institution in the United States, enrolls roughly 7,300 undergraduates and more than 3,000 graduate students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was detained and later released?
Officials took a person of interest into custody at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, about 20 miles from Providence. Two sources identified the individual as a 24‑year‑old man from Wisconsin, but his name was not released. He was released after authorities determined there was no basis to keep him in custody.
How many people were killed and injured in the Brown University shooting?
The attack killed two students and injured nine others. One of the injured has been released from the hospital; seven remain in critical but stable condition, and one is in critical condition.
What steps are authorities taking after the suspect’s release?
Law enforcement pledged to redouble investigative efforts, including canvassing for video surveillance that could help identify the shooter. An enhanced police presence remains on campus, but officials are not recommending another shelter‑in‑place order.
What actions can community members take to support those affected by this tragedy?
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