A person of interest in the recent Brown University shooting has been taken into custody, according to Rhode Island police. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez announced this development during a press conference the day after the tragedy, where two lives were lost and nine others were injured during final exams on campus.
The shooting occurred Saturday afternoon in a classroom at the Barus & Holley building, which is part of the engineering and physics departments. It’s a large facility housing over 100 labs and classrooms. Hundreds of police responders quickly arrived at the scene.
The detained suspect is in their 30s and allegedly used a handgun, although details about their identity remain unclear. Authorities have not confirmed whether the suspect is a student at the university.
Brown University President Christina Paxson expressed the community’s shock, stating, “Everybody’s reeling, and we have a lot of recovery ahead of us.”
According to recent reports, nine of the people injured in the shooting were students. One individual remains critical, while others are stable but still in care. The hospital is closely monitoring the situation. Notably, Rhode Island has some of the strictest gun laws in the U.S., and this shooting has sparked discussions about gun control and campus safety.
Witnesses reported that the shooter calmly walked away from the scene. Surveillance footage showed a male suspect dressed in black. Some onlookers noted he might have worn a camouflage mask during the shooting. The outer doors of the building were unlocked, but access to the exam rooms required badge entry. This raises questions about how the shooter managed to enter the building across multiple layers of security.
In the aftermath, students were instructed to shelter in place for several hours while officers conducted a thorough search of the campus and surrounding areas.
The community’s response has included heavy police presence and local businesses closing in solidarity. Residents are visibly shaken, expressing heartbreak over the incident, especially given that this was a university known for its academic excellence.
Brown University, one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions in the nation, typically has around 7,300 undergraduates. Tuition and other costs can reach nearly $100,000 annually.
As the community begins to process this event, we can expect a continued focus on safety measures in educational institutions. Community leaders are emphasizing support for victims and their families, highlighting the collective need for healing.
For more information on Rhode Island’s gun laws, you can visit the Rhode Island General Assembly’s [website](https://www.rilegislature.gov). This incident not only raises immediate concerns about safety but also invites deeper discussions on pressing social issues.
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