Authorities arrested a person of interest related to the tragic shooting at Brown University, which took place during final exams on Saturday. This incident left two students dead and nine injured in the engineering building in Providence, Rhode Island.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley shared that seven of the injured are stable, while one remains in critical condition. One person with minor injuries has been released from the hospital. “This is a deeply upsetting time for our community,” he said.
University President Christina Paxson expressed the collective grief. “Everyone is shaken. We have a long road ahead, but our community is strong,” she noted.
Surveillance footage revealed the suspect, dressed in black, walking away calmly from the scene. Investigators are still trying to determine if this individual is affiliated with the university. Police Chief Oscar Perez mentioned the detainee is in their 30s but withheld specific details about their connection to Brown.
A source confirmed that the person of interest is not currently a student at Brown. They were arrested without incident at a local hotel. While the shelter-in-place order for the university has been lifted, police activity is ongoing in areas considered active crime scenes.
Authorities are still trying to understand how the shooter accessed the classroom. The building’s outer doors were unlocked, but rooms for finals typically require badge access. Brown Provost Francis Doyle commented, “Events like study sessions and meetings often take place over the weekend, so we are still piecing together what occurred.”
This event reflects a growing concern about safety in academic settings. Gun violence on campuses has surged in recent years; according to a report by the **National Center for Education Statistics**, there were nearly 100 shootings on U.S. college campuses in 2022 alone, a significant increase from the years prior.
In the wake of this incident, many students and parents expressed their anxiety on social media. Trends of solidarity and support emerged, emphasizing the need for mental health resources and safety protocols on campuses. As we mourn, it’s crucial to discuss these vital issues surrounding safety in educational institutions.
The community is grappling with shock, but authorities assure that increased police presence will help provide reassurance to residents. As investigations continue, the focus will be on understanding how to prevent future tragedies and how to support the affected families.
Source link
Shooting, Rhode Island
