A suspect is in custody following a deadly shooting at Brown University on Saturday that left two people dead and nine others wounded during final exams, authorities confirmed Sunday morning. The attack sent shockwaves through the Ivy League campus and prompted a citywide lockdown in Providence, Rhode Island.
Law enforcement officials identified the individual as a “person of interest” and confirmed he was taken into custody at a hotel in Coventry, just southwest of Providence. The suspect, described by police as a male wearing all black, allegedly opened fire inside the Barus & Holley Building Saturday afternoon while students were present for final exams.
The campus and much of downtown Providence were placed on lockdown throughout the evening, with residents urged to shelter in place until authorities lifted the order Sunday morning.
“We are able to report that we have detained a person of interest involved in yesterday’s shooting,” said Providence Mayor Brett Smiley during a news conference. “I want to let the Providence community know we are lifting the shelter-in-place.”
Among the nine injured victims, seven are reported to be in stable condition, one remains in critical condition, and another has been released from the hospital. Officials have not yet released the names or identities of the deceased or injured.
Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr. of the Providence Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing and no additional suspects are currently being sought. Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the attack.
Brown University, home to approximately 11,000 students, issued a brief statement and indicated more information would follow concerning academic scheduling and campus operations for the upcoming week.
President Donald Trump said from the White House that he had been “fully briefed” and is receiving regular updates. “What a terrible thing it is,” Trump told Fox News. “And all we can do right now is pray for the victims.” Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee confirmed coordination with federal authorities, including the FBI, which is actively assisting in the investigation.
The shooting is among the deadliest campus incidents in recent years and comes at a time of heightened national concern over campus safety and violent crime.
