Brown University Shooting: Wisconsin Man in Custody After 2 Killed, 9 Wounded

A 24-year-old Wisconsin man has been taken into custody after a shooting at Brown University left two students dead and nine wounded.

The Incident

The shooting occurred Saturday afternoon in a classroom during final exams in the engineering building. A 9-mm handgun fired more than 40 rounds, killing two students and injuring nine others. Nine students with gunshot wounds were taken to hospitals; one was in critical condition. One student was later released, according to university President Christina Paxson.

Immediate Response

The Providence campus was paralyzed, with students sheltering in place for hours. Police and emergency responders arrived quickly, securing the scene and providing medical assistance. The FBI agent who spoke to AP said the arrest took place at a hotel in Coventry, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Providence.

Investigation and Arrest

Authorities identified a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin as the person of interest. Two handguns were recovered from him, along with two loaded 30-round magazines. One of the firearms was equipped with a laser sight, a feature that projects a visible dot onto the target. Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said the investigation was progressing “extremely fast,” but did not provide further details.

Community Reaction

A vigil was held Sunday evening at a Providence park to honor the victims. The event had originally been scheduled as a Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting. Mayor Brett Smiley addressed the crowd, saying, “For those who know at least bit of the Hanukkah story, it is quite clear that if we can come together as a community to shine a little bit of light tonight, there’s nothing better that we can be doing.” He added that he had visited wounded students and was inspired by their courage, hope and gratitude. One student told him that active shooting drills in high school had helped them.

Statements from Officials

Durham Academy, a private school in Durham, North Carolina, released a statement about Kendall Turner, a recent graduate who was among the wounded. The school said Turner was in critical but stable condition, and that her parents were with her. “Our school community is rallying around Kendall, her classmates, and her loved ones, and we will continue to offer our full support in the days ahead,” the school said.

Sandy Hook Promise, a group that works to end gun violence, issued a statement Saturday. “Thirteen years ago today, 26 precious lives were stolen at Sandy Hook Elementary. It was an attack that could have been prevented if the warning signs had been taken seriously. Now, the Brown University community has been shaken by this same kind of nightmare, students shot and killed in their classroom,” the statement read. “The fact that these college students were elementary school students in 2012 underscores the sobering truth: an entire generation of youth in America has grown up with threats of being shot in a classroom.”

Impact on Campus

Classes and exams for the remainder of the semester were canceled. University officials said students were free to leave campus. Those who remained would have access to services and support, as Provost Francis Doyle stated 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.”

National Response

Senate Democrat Chris Murphy criticized GOP leaders over gun policy. On CNN’s “State of the Union,” he said the prospects of new restrictions were “slim.” “As we know right now, unfortunately, the Republicans in Congress don’t ever meaningfully break from this president,” Murphy said. He added, “That doesn’t mean I won’t try.”

Key Takeaways

• A 24-year-old Wisconsin man has been arrested after a Brown University shooting that killed two students and wounded nine.
• The shooter used a 9-mm handgun, fired more than 40 rounds, and had firearms with a laser sight and loaded 30-round magazines.
• The campus was shut down, with students sheltering in place; classes and exams were canceled.

The tragedy has sparked a community response, national debate on gun policy, and a renewed focus on campus safety and support for survivors.