Tragedy struck the hallowed grounds of Brown University late Saturday night as a shooting incident left at least two individuals dead and nine others injured. The violence erupted on the Ivy League campus during a period of final exams, sending shockwaves through the academic community and the wider Providence area.
In the hours following the devastating event, authorities released a short video clip they believe shows the suspect. The footage depicts an individual, entirely clad in dark clothing, walking along a sidewalk and then turning a corner, a scene captured shortly after the shooting occurred. While the video offers a glimpse of the suspect’s movements, their face remains obscured, leaving their identity a mystery for the time being.
Timothy O’Hara, Deputy Chief of Police, stated that the suspect is believed to be a male dressed in dark attire. He was last seen departing the engineering building, the site where the attack tragically unfolded. Crucially, police have not yet obtained any video footage of the suspect inside the building itself.
During a press conference held late Saturday evening, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley provided an update on the investigation. He indicated that the suspect might be a man in his 30s. Law enforcement officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, suggested that the shooter likely used a handgun.
The shooting, which occurred amidst the high-stakes environment of final exams, has deeply impacted the university. Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island, a Democrat, expressed the profound sorrow felt across the state, stating, “The unthinkable has happened.”
In response to the unfolding crisis, Mayor Smiley announced that a shelter-in-place order was in effect for the area surrounding the campus. He strongly urged residents living near Brown University to remain indoors and refrain from returning to their homes until the order is officially lifted. “We have all available resources,” Smiley assured the public, indicating a full commitment to apprehending the suspect.
An update provided at 9:30 p.m. revised the total number of injured individuals to nine. This adjustment came after one victim realized they had sustained injuries from fragments related to the shooting. Fortunately, the injuries of this latest victim were deemed to be non-life-threatening.
Hospitals in the region mobilized to address the influx of those affected by the violence. Officials from The Miriam Hospital stated that they had not received any patients from the incident. Rhode Island Hospital, however, reported working closely with and providing support to the families of those impacted. They maintained continuous communication with Brown University. While Rhode Island Hospital was in a lockdown status at the time, their emergency department remained open to accept patients. A statement from the hospital conveyed their solidarity, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this incident.”
The incident brings into sharp focus the ongoing debate surrounding gun violence and firearms legislation in the United States. Rhode Island is known for having some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Last spring, the state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature passed legislation that bans the sale and manufacturing of certain high-powered firearms, though possession of these weapons will not be prohibited. This ban is slated to take effect next July.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.