A tragic shooting at Brown University during finals week has left two students dead and nine others injured, prompting a wave of chaos across the campus in Providence, Rhode Island. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon, igniting a large police response and a shelter-in-place order for students and staff.
Authorities have taken a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin into custody but have not yet revealed if he had a connection to the university. Police Chief Oscar Perez mentioned that no charges have been filed so far. The suspect was detained at a hotel about 20 miles from the campus, where police continue to investigate.
The shooting took place inside a classroom of the engineering building, where students were focused on their finals. Witnesses reported loud bangs and screams. One student described the fear and confusion, while another video showed students hiding in a library. Brown President Christina Paxson expressed her deep concern for the students, emphasizing their resilience and support for each other during this difficult time.
Among the injured, one student has been released from the hospital, while eight others remain in critical condition. The school confirmed that Kendall Turner, a recent graduate, was among those hurt.
In light of the tragedy, Brown canceled all remaining classes and exams for the semester, allowing students to leave campus if they chose. Local businesses have also been affected, with many closing amid a heightened police presence. The community is rallying together, with residents invited to gather in a park for a planned holiday event.
Critically, this event raises questions about campus safety. A recent survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics showed that nearly 40% of universities have reported some form of violent incident in the last decade. Experts advocate for increased security measures and mental health support on campuses to help prevent such tragedies.
As investigations continue, students and faculty are coping with fear and uncertainty. The resilience and solidarity demonstrated by the Brown community during this crisis serve as a testament to human strength in adversity.
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