PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A tragic shooting at Brown University during final exams left two students dead and nine others injured. As of Sunday, a person of interest in their 20s is in custody, but no charges have been filed yet, and investigators are looking into the motive behind this heartbreaking incident.
The shooting took place right in the middle of a busy exam week at one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious colleges. The campus was put on lockdown for hours, with law enforcement searching the area and emphasizing student safety. While the lockdown has since been lifted, many students are still shaken from the ordeal.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene. Some students barricaded themselves inside rooms, while others hid behind furniture. In one emotional moment, college President Christina Paxson expressed her concern for the students, saying, “They are amazing and they’re supporting each other.”
The shooter reportedly fired over 40 rounds from a 9 mm handgun inside a classroom in the engineering building. Officers later recovered two handguns and high-capacity magazines from the area where the suspect was apprehended.
In terms of health, one student has been released from the hospital, while seven remain in critical but stable condition. Among the wounded is Kendall Turner, a recent high school graduate, whose community has rallied in support.
Local leaders are responding with increased police presence, and many businesses have chosen to close for safety and solidarity. A scheduled 5K event was postponed, and residents were invited to gather in a city park for a community lighting event, emphasizing the importance of togetherness during tough times.
The shooting has sparked a renewed conversation about campus safety, gun violence, and mental health support in educational institutions. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 61% of Americans believe the country is facing a gun violence crisis, with calls for more robust laws gaining traction on social media platforms.
Recent active shooter drills have proven beneficial according to some students, enabling them to stay calm during this harrowing experience. Mayor Brett Smiley shared the resilience he witnessed from those affected, stating, “What they’ve been through is something different entirely.”
As investigations continue, both law enforcement and the university community are confronted with tough questions about safety and security on campuses nationwide. This event serves as a painful reminder of the pressing challenges academic institutions face today.
For more details, you can follow updates from trusted news sources like the Associated Press here.
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Oscar Perez, Crime, Colleges and universities, Shootings, Providence, Rhode Island, General news, Local News for Apple, Gun violence, AP Top News, Massachusetts, School shootings, Emma Ferraro, Engineering, U.S. news, Christina Paxson, Brett Smiley, Alex Bruce, Education, Eva Erickson
