Tragedy Strikes Brown University Campus: Two Students Dead, Nine Injured in Shooting
A devastating act of gun violence shattered the tranquility of Brown University’s campus on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. The incident, which occurred within an engineering building, triggered an immediate and massive law enforcement response, leading to a campus-wide lockdown that extended into the night.
Authorities apprehended a person of interest at a hotel in Coventry overnight in connection with the shooting. Following this development, the shelter-in-place order for the campus and surrounding neighborhoods was lifted. However, the individual detained has since been released, and the investigation into the tragic events remains active and ongoing.
Timeline of Events and Developing Information
The unfolding tragedy was documented through a series of updates as authorities worked to secure the scene, investigate, and inform the public.
Sunday Morning Updates:
- 8:00 a.m.: Officials appealed to the public for any video or photographic evidence related to the shooting. Submissions can be made by calling Providence police at (401) 272-3121 or through the FBI tip line at FBI.gov/brownuniversityshooting.
- 7:50 a.m.: The University of Rhode Island notified its students and staff that in-person exams scheduled for Sunday would not be held. Online exams were to proceed as planned. The university stated there was no known threat to its campuses, but the decision was made in consideration of concerns shared by its community members. East Providence police also announced an increased police presence at city schools as a proactive safety measure.
- 6:55 a.m.: Providence police confirmed to local news outlets that the person of interest detained overnight had been released.
- 6:00 a.m.: A law enforcement analyst discussed the latest developments in the ongoing investigation on a local news program.
Late Saturday Night and Early Sunday Morning Developments:
- 12:46 a.m. (Sunday): Reports emerged identifying one of the deceased students as Ella Cook, citing information from a church pastor during a livestreamed service. Cook was reportedly the vice president of the Brown College Republicans. Brown University had not officially identified the victims at this time. Of the nine injured students, all but one were still receiving treatment at Rhode Island Hospital as of midday Sunday.
- 11:35 p.m. (Saturday): A press conference revealed that the individual detained earlier in the morning would be released, and authorities confirmed they were still actively searching for the gunman.
- 10:09 p.m. (Saturday): Officials announced an unexpected, short-notice press conference to provide updates on the shooting. The person of interest, detained at a Coventry hotel at 3:45 a.m., was not yet classified as a suspect, and no charges had been filed. Reports confirmed the individual was a man in his 20s from Wisconsin, and two weapons were recovered from his hotel room.
Victim Information and Hospital Conditions
As of midday Sunday, the conditions of the injured students were as follows:
- Six students were in critical stable condition.
- One student was in critical condition.
- One student was in stable condition.
- One student had been discharged from the hospital.
Community Response and Official Statements
The tragedy elicited widespread reactions from community leaders, elected officials, and the public.
- Candlelit Vigil: A candlelit vigil was held at Lippit Memorial Park in Providence, providing a space for the community to mourn and come together. Security measures were in place for attendees.
- Presidential and Vice Presidential Statements: Former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris both issued statements expressing their grief and calling for action to prevent gun violence.
- Governor’s Actions: Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee ordered all state flags to be lowered to half-staff in honor of the victims.
- University Support: Brown University’s Vice President for Human Resources urged faculty and staff to prioritize their well-being and highlighted available support services.
- Law Enforcement and FBI Involvement: The FBI took a lead role in the investigation, collaborating with state and local law enforcement agencies. An FBI website was established for tips and information: fbi.gov/brownuniversityshooting. A dedicated tip line for Providence police was also provided: (401) 652-5767.
Investigation Details and Search for the Gunman
The investigation focused on identifying and locating the individual responsible for the shooting.
- Person of Interest: The man detained in Coventry, a man in his 20s from Wisconsin, was found to have two weapons in his hotel room. However, he was later released as the investigation continued.
- Suspect Description: Authorities released a brief video showing a suspect leaving the engineering building. The individual was described as wearing dark clothing, and his face was not clearly visible. Witnesses reported he may have been wearing a mask, though this remained unconfirmed.
- Building Security: It was noted that the engineering building was unlocked for final exams, though some internal rooms required badge access.
The shooting occurred in the Barus and Holley building on Brown’s campus during a period when final exams were being conducted. Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of the shelter-in-place order to allow for thorough canvassing of the area, vehicle stops, and other investigative measures. The scale of the law enforcement response was significant, with over 400 officers reportedly involved.
The community grappled with the shock and grief of this senseless act of violence, with vigils and calls for increased gun violence prevention measures underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the continued search for the gunman remain top priorities for law enforcement.