Providence, Rhode Island — A person of interest has been detained following a shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine others wounded on Saturday evening, according to Providence police.
Shooting Sparks Lockdown at Ivy League Campus
Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Perez confirmed during a Sunday morning news conference that authorities had taken “a person of interest in their 30s” into custody. However, officials did not release further details, including where the individual was detained or whether they had any direct affiliation with Brown University.
Police emphasized that the term “person of interest” does not mean the individual has been charged. Law enforcement commonly uses the phrase to describe someone considered significant to an investigation when there is not yet enough evidence to name a suspect.
Attack Unfolded Inside Engineering Building
The shooting occurred inside an engineering building on Brown’s campus during the university’s final exam period, heightening fear and chaos among students and staff. Authorities said the shooter opened fire inside a classroom before fleeing the scene.
Hundreds of local, state, and campus police officers responded, conducting an extensive search across campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts throughout the night as part of the manhunt.
Officials have not yet released information about the victims or a possible motive.
City Braces for Heightened Police Presence
Providence leaders warned residents that they should expect “a heavier police presence in the community” in the coming days as the investigation continues. Several local businesses announced temporary closures, citing shock and concern following the violence.
University officials acknowledged the emotional toll on students, faculty, and staff, many of whom were preparing for exams when the shooting occurred.
“Everybody’s reeling, and we have a lot of recovery ahead of us,” Brown University President Christina Paxson said during the news conference.
National Context of Gun Violence
The shooting at Brown adds to a growing list of mass shootings across the United States in 2025. According to the Gun Violence Archive, Saturday’s attack brought the nationwide total to at least 389 mass shootings so far this year.
The nonpartisan organization defines a mass shooting as an incident in which “four or more people are wounded or killed.” The Brown University attack meets that definition, further fueling national conversations about gun violence and campus safety.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities say the investigation remains active, and additional updates are expected as detectives continue interviews and forensic analysis. Police have not confirmed whether a weapon has been recovered or whether there is an ongoing threat to the campus.
Students were urged to remain vigilant and to follow official university and police communications for verified information.
Conclusion
The deadly shooting at Brown University has shaken the Providence community and drawn national attention, particularly due to its timing during final exams at one of the country’s most prominent universities. While a person of interest has been detained, many questions remain unanswered as investigators work to piece together what led to the violence.
Share Your Thoughts
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