Providence Releases Person of Interest in Brown University Shooting, Investigation Continues

In a dramatic turn of events, Providence officials released a person of interest in the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine.

Investigation Update

At a hastily convened late‑night news conference, law‑enforcement authorities announced that the individual detained at a Rhode Island hotel was no longer held, as they determined there was no basis to keep the person in custody. The release leaves police without a known suspect, prompting a renewed push to canvass video surveillance that could pinpoint the killer’s identity.

Attorney General Peter Neronha said, “We have a murderer out there.” Mayor Brett Smiley added that the news “is likely to cause fresh anxiety for our community.”

Officials noted that the evidence that had initially pointed to the detained 24‑year‑old man from Wisconsin—whose name was never released—had shifted. Neronha explained, “There was some degree of evidence that pointed to the individual, but that evidence needed to be corroborated and confirmed. Over the last 24 hours, that evidence now points in a different direction.”

Details of the Shooting

The attack unfolded during a busy final‑exam period. Brown University canceled all remaining classes, exams, papers and projects for the semester and told students they could leave campus. The shooting began in a first‑floor classroom in the Barus & Holley engineering building. A law‑enforcement official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a 9‑mm handgun fired more than 40 rounds. Two handguns were recovered when the person of interest was taken into custody, along with two loaded 30‑round magazines. One firearm featured a laser sight.

Seven of the nine wounded students were in critical but stable condition, and one was in critical condition. One student was released from the hospital, according to University President Christina Paxson. Paxson, visibly shaken, described conversations with students both on campus and in the hospital: “They are amazing and they’re supporting each other. There’s just a lot of gratitude.”

Durham Academy, a private K‑12 school in Durham, North Carolina, confirmed that a recent graduate, Kendall Turner, was critically wounded. The school said her parents were with her and that the community would continue to offer full support.

Campus Response

After the shooting, hundreds of officers searched for the shooter and urged students and staff to shelter in place. The lockdown, which stretched into the night, was lifted early Sunday. Authorities had not yet released information about a potential motive.

Investigators were unsure how the shooter entered the classroom. The building’s 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 loud pops. She fled to a nearby building and waited for hours.

Surveillance video released by police showed a suspect, dressed in black, walking from the scene. Former “Survivor” contestant Eva Erickson, a doctoral candidate who was the runner‑up on the CBS reality competition, said she left her lab 15 minutes before shots rang out. She was locked down in the campus gym following the shooting.

Brown senior biochemistry student Alex Bruce, working on a final research project in a dorm across the street, heard sirens outside and said, “I’m just in here shaking,” as officers surrounded his dorm.

Community Reaction

On Sunday evening, city leaders, residents and others gathered at a park to honor the victims. The event was originally scheduled as a Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting. Mayor Brett Smiley said, “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.”

Smiley visited wounded students and was inspired by their courage, hope and gratitude. One student told him that active shooting drills done in high school proved helpful. “The resilience that these survivors showed and shared with me is frankly pretty overwhelming,” he said.

Key Takeaways

• The person of interest in the Brown University shooting has been released, leaving authorities without a suspect.
• Police are canvassing surveillance footage to identify the killer and investigate motive.
• The attack occurred during final exams; a 9‑mm handgun fired over 40 rounds, and two handguns were recovered.

The release of the person of interest marks a setback in the investigation, but law‑enforcement officials remain focused on locating the shooter and understanding the motives behind the tragic event.