Suspect in Custody Following Brown University Shooting Incident

A suspect identified as a person of interest has been taken into custody in relation to a shooting that occurred at Brown University, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, according to law enforcement officials.

The tragic incident unfolded on a Saturday afternoon in Providence, Rhode Island, when a gunman opened fire on campus, injuring nine others in the process.

Authorities have revealed that the detained individual is in his twenties, though his name has not yet been disclosed.

Details of the Incident

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley reported that out of the nine injured, seven are currently in stable condition, while one individual remains in critical care. Fortunately, another victim has been discharged from the hospital.

The shooting took place around 4:00 PM local time at the Holley engineering building, situated on the eastern section of the university’s campus, as confirmed by officials.

While the identities of the deceased and injured have not been made public, Brown University President Christina Paxson informed the press that all affected individuals were students of the university.

Community Response and Support

In a statement issued on Sunday, President Paxson noted that certain parts of the campus remain restricted as investigators continue their work. She also shared that approximately 2,000 students were moved to secure locations overnight, expressing her gratitude towards those in the community who offered their homes to provide shelter.

Paxson mentioned that the families of the deceased students are receiving necessary support, stating, “There are not enough words of comfort for families who lose a child, but we will do all we can to assist them.”

Police Investigation Updates

During a Sunday press conference, Mayor Smiley announced that an earlier directive for residents to remain sheltered has since been rescinded. He recounted meeting with victims and their families in the hospital, describing their resilience and gratitude as “overwhelming.”

A community vigil is scheduled for Sunday evening to honor the victims. Meanwhile, police released surveillance footage of a man dressed in black who was seen fleeing the scene. A search of the building revealed no firearm.

Ongoing Investigation and Reactions

FBI Director Kash Patel shared via social media that the suspect was apprehended at a hotel in Coventry in the early hours of Sunday, following a tip-off from local police. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed that authorities are not seeking any additional suspects and are collaborating with prosecutors to gather evidence.

In response to the situation, hundreds of law enforcement officials and federal agents were deployed to Providence on Saturday to aid in the search for the shooter. President Trump, during a White House address, expressed his hopes for the quick recovery of the injured students and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

This incident marks a grim milestone, as it contributes to a total of 389 mass shootings recorded in the United States so far this year, as per data from the Gun Violence Archive, which classifies a mass shooting as an event with four or more victims either killed or injured, excluding the shooter.