Authorities Release ‘Person of Interest’ in Brown University Shooting
Authorities in Providence, Rhode Island, have released a man in his 20s who had been arrested as a “person of interest” following a deadly shooting at Brown University. The incident, which occurred on December 13, 2025, left two students dead and nine others injured during exams in a campus building.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the release late Sunday, noting that investigators determined the individual was not connected to the shooting. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha added that while there was initially sufficient evidence for the arrest, further investigation cleared the man of involvement.
“We have not yet solved this case, but I am confident we are going to do that in the near future,” Neronha said.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The unidentified gunman entered a building where students were taking exams and opened fire before fleeing. A temporary shelter-in-place order was issued across the campus, which was later lifted as law enforcement maintained a security perimeter around Minden Hall and nearby apartment buildings.
Officials reported that one of the injured students was in critical condition, while seven others were stable and one had been discharged. Investigators retrieved shell casings from the scene and believe the suspect may have worn a mask.
Massive Law Enforcement Response
The shooting triggered a major manhunt, involving over 400 law enforcement personnel, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Students hid under desks for hours as police searched for the suspect.
Authorities continue to review security camera footage to identify the gunman, urging anyone with information to come forward. Access to parts of the campus remains restricted as the investigation continues.
Context: Rising Mass Shootings in U.S. Universities
The Brown University shooting comes amid a string of deadly incidents on U.S. campuses. Earlier in the week, a shooting at Kentucky State University also resulted in fatalities.
The Gun Violence Archive reports that the U.S. has experienced 389 mass shootings in 2025, defined as incidents where four or more people are shot. Last year, the nation recorded over 500 mass shootings, highlighting a persistent issue with gun violence in educational settings.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement continues to search for the suspect seen on security cameras, with officials emphasizing that the public’s cooperation is crucial. The investigation aims to determine why the location was targeted and bring the gunman to justice.
Authorities have reassured students and staff that safety measures remain in place while they work to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the attack.
Leave a Reply