Brown University Shooting: Person of Interest in Custody

A person of interest was taken into custody early Sunday in connection with a deadly mass shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and nine others wounded, authorities said.

The individual was detained around 3:45 a.m. at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, roughly 45 kilometers south of Providence, following a tip from the public, according to law enforcement sources and Coventry police. At the time of the arrest, the person was allegedly in possession of two firearms.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the detention at a Sunday morning news conference, announcing that authorities were lifting the shelter-in-place order that had been in effect for Brown University’s College Hill campus. “We have detained a person of interest,” Smiley said, adding that residents could “breathe a little easier.”

Police stressed that the individual is being treated as a person of interest and has not yet been formally charged. A federal law enforcement source said investigators were confident they were “on the right track.” Officials also said the individual is not a Brown student and that no additional suspects are currently being sought.

The shooting occurred Saturday inside the Barus & Holley building, which houses engineering and physics classrooms, during a lecture hall exam review session. The incident unfolded as students across campus were preparing for final exams ahead of winter break.

Brown University President Christina H. Paxson described the shooting as a day of “tremendous sorrow,” saying two people were killed and nine injured. As of Sunday morning, eight of the wounded remained hospitalized, seven in stable condition and one in critical but stable condition.

Before the detention, police released surveillance footage of a person of interest walking near campus, dressed in dark clothing with one hand inside a jacket pocket. FBI and local law enforcement agencies were involved in the search.

Students described moments of confusion and fear as gunfire erupted. One student said he heard multiple shots and fled alongside dozens of others as they rushed toward limited exits. Several students sheltered in nearby apartments for hours until authorities declared the area secure.

Providence Police said the investigation remains active and that police activity continues in areas still considered part of the crime scene.