A person of interest has been taken into custody overnight linked to the tragic shooting incident at Brown University, as confirmed by Kristy DosReis, a spokesperson for the Providence Police Department. This significant development was made possible following a tip received by law enforcement, according to a source familiar with the ongoing investigation who spoke with ABC News.
While the individual in custody is currently being referred to as a person of interest, a federal source indicated that investigators feel confident they are making progress in the case. Notably, sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that the detained individual is not a student at the university.
The arrest comes in the wake of a devastating mass shooting that occurred on the university's East Side campus on Saturday. In this tragic event, two students lost their lives, while another nine individuals were transported to local hospitals due to injuries sustained during the shooting. Christina H. Paxson, the president of Brown University, expressed her condolences in a statement, saying, "Our hearts go out to them. This is a day of tremendous sorrow. No parent or family member should ever have to endure a day like this."
According to officials, as of Sunday morning, eight of the nine injured victims remained hospitalized. Seven of these individuals were reported to be in stable condition, while one was classified as critical but stable.
Following the shooting, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the university's College Hill campus. Providence Police lifted this alert early Sunday, although they noted that police activity would continue in certain areas still deemed an active crime scene. The shooting incident took place at the Barus & Holley building, where engineering and physics classes are conducted, located on Hope Street.
In an effort to assist with the investigation, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies have released a brief video clip that shows a person described as a person of interest. In the footage, the individual is seen wearing dark clothing, including a hood, as they walk along Hope Street and turn a corner heading north. The suspect's right hand appears to be tucked into their jacket pocket as they proceed northward along Waterman Street before disappearing from view.
This incident has sparked widespread concern across the Brown University community and beyond, as students were in the midst of preparing for exams ahead of the winter break. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of the campus and surrounding areas. ABC News' Jessica Gorman has contributed to this report, highlighting the somber atmosphere that has enveloped the university following this tragic event.