Brown University Shooting: Detained Person of Interest to Be Released, Officials Say
US authorities have confirmed that a person earlier detained in connection with the deadly shooting at Brown University will be released, after investigators said there is not enough evidence to pursue charges.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said the investigation has taken a new direction, while Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha added that recent findings no longer support prosecuting the individual who was detained. Officials stressed that the case remains active.
The shooting occurred on Saturday at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, when a gunman opened fire inside a classroom at the Holley Engineering Building. Two people were killed and nine others were injured in the attack.
At a joint press briefing on Sunday, police said they now believe the detained individual is not the same person seen in CCTV footage released shortly after the incident. The footage shows a suspect wearing all black walking away from the scene. Authorities have decided not to publicly identify the released individual.
Earlier, the FBI had confirmed that a person of interest was detained at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, following a tip from local police. At that time, officials had indicated no other suspects were being sought. However, police have since clarified that they are continuing to review evidence, including additional video material.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said most of the injured victims are in stable condition, with one person listed as critical but stable, while another has been discharged from hospital.
Brown University President Christina Paxson said all those killed or injured were students. She added that some areas of the campus remain restricted while investigators continue their work. Around 2,000 students were temporarily relocated to safe locations overnight, with many residents offering shelter.
University officials confirmed that families of the victims are receiving support. “There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child,” Paxson said, adding that the university would continue assisting those affected.
Local authorities have lifted shelter-in-place orders, and a community vigil is scheduled to honor the victims.
Reacting to the incident, US President Donald Trump expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, the attack adds to hundreds of mass shooting incidents reported across the United States this year. The organization defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more people are killed or injured, excluding the attacker.