Overview
In a stunning reversal, Rhode Island police released a person of interest Monday morning in the investigation of the horrific mass shooting at Brown University, where a gunman opened fire in a lecture hall Sunday, killing two students and wounding nine others. The attack unfolded at 2:15 PM local time on the Providence campus, sending shockwaves through the Ivy League institution as students barricaded doors and fled in panic[1].
Key Developments
- Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez stated at 9:30 AM ET: 'To be clear, we've never stopped our investigation. The Providence Police and our partners and state police, the FBI, and others have continuously run down leads and work this case beyond the person of interest who had been detained yesterday.'[1]
- The individual, detained early Sunday at a Hampton Inn near campus amid heavy FBI presence, was released after evidence review around 7:00 AM Monday; Chief Perez added: 'We're not saying that definitively [they had nothing to do with it]... but until such time as we have an individual in custody who we're confident is responsible.'[1]
- Video footage shows a lone shooter; authorities believe it's a single perpetrator based on a 'small short clip' captured on campus security cameras at the time of the 2:15 PM incident[1].
- Eyewitness at the hotel noted at 6:00 AM: 'I see all the cop cars and FBI marshals down in the lobby and I'm like, this isn't right.'[1]
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | Campus operations halted, costing Brown est. $500K in immediate disruptions | Long-term enrollment dips possible amid safety fears |
| Political | Gov. Dan McKee calls for federal aid at 10:00 AM presser | Heightened scrutiny on campus security funding |
| Social | Student vigils draw 1,200; protests demand gun reforms | Rising anxiety could spur nationwide campus policy changes |
Expert Reactions
FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Krol said at 8:45 AM: 'The investigation has shifted directions... Sometimes you head in one direction and then you have to regroup.'[1] Brown University President Christina Paxson remarked: 'Our hearts are with the victims' families as we support our community through this tragedy.'[1]
What's Next
Police plan a 2:00 PM ET briefing with new leads; FBI canvassing expands to Boston area by Tuesday; full campus reopening targeted for Dec. 18 pending suspect capture[1].