Police in Rhode Island have reported that they have a person of interest in custody following a devastating shooting incident at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others wounded. This incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, during final exams, in a classroom setting, leading to a state of lockdown on campus as students sheltered in place for several hours.
According to university President Christina Paxson, nine students with gunshot wounds were immediately taken to the hospital, with one reported to be in critical condition. Fortunately, one student was later released from the hospital. An FBI agent confirmed that the arrest of the person of interest took place at a hotel in Coventry, located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Providence.
As of 5:49 p.m. EST, authorities revealed that the person of interest is a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin. This information was shared by individuals familiar with the case, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.
In response to this tragedy, city leaders, residents, and community members convened at a park in Providence on Sunday evening to honor the victims. This gathering, originally scheduled as a Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting, became a poignant moment of remembrance. Mayor Brett Smiley emphasized the importance of community solidarity, stating, "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."
Among the wounded is Kendall Turner, a recent graduate of Durham Academy in North Carolina, who is currently in critical but stable condition. The school community is rallying around her and her family, pledging full support in the days ahead.
Reports indicate that the shooter fired more than 40 rounds inside the classroom using a 9 mm handgun. Law enforcement officials have recovered two handguns from the person of interest, along with two loaded 30-round magazines. One of the firearms found was equipped with a laser sight, which is commonly used for improved targeting accuracy.
The Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to ending gun violence, issued a statement expressing solidarity with the victims of the Brown University shooting. They highlighted the tragic irony that many of the current college students were elementary school children during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy thirteen years ago. Their message underscored the ongoing issue of gun violence affecting generations of youth in America.
During a noon press conference, Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez stated that the investigation is progressing "extremely fast," although no further details were shared. Authorities have yet to recover the gun used in the shooting, and the semester's remaining classes and exams have been canceled. Students are allowed to leave campus, while those who remain will have access to support services.
In the wake of this tragic event, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy criticized GOP leaders over their gun policy, stating that the chances of enacting new firearm restrictions are slim. He expressed his determination to continue advocating for change despite the current political landscape.
Witnesses described the chaotic moments during the shooting, with one student, Emma Ferraro, recounting how she initially heard loud pops, which she later realized were gunshots. The scene was filled with fear as students sought safety, and many remain anxious for updates regarding their fellow classmates' injuries.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic shooting, Mayor Brett Smiley has called for prayers for the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for healing as the holiday season approaches. The governor of Rhode Island, Dan McKee, remarked, "The unthinkable has happened," reflecting the deep sorrow felt across the state.
The incident at Brown University has not only left a profound impact on the local community but has also reignited conversations about gun violence and safety in educational institutions nationwide.