UPDATE: A 24-year-old man from Wisconsin detained after the tragic shooting at Brown University has been released, as authorities explore new leads in the investigation. This shocking announcement was made during a late-night press conference on December 3, 2023, following the incident that left two students dead and nine injured.
The shooting occurred on Saturday afternoon in a classroom of the engineering building, where the gunman fired over 40 rounds from a 9mm handgun. This incident triggered chaos across the campus and nearby Providence neighborhoods, prompting hundreds of police officers to respond and enforce a lockdown. Mayor Brett Smiley acknowledged the heightened anxiety in the community, stating, “We know that this is likely to cause fresh anxiety for our community.”
Officials had initially announced the arrest earlier that day but confirmed that the investigation took a different direction overnight. Attorney General Peter Neronha remarked, “Sometimes you head in one direction and then you have to regroup and go in another,” highlighting the fluid nature of the ongoing investigation. Colonel Oscar Perez, the Providence police chief, noted that no charges have been filed and no further suspects are being sought at this time.
The suspect was apprehended at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 20 miles from the university. As the investigation continues, police are still examining evidence, including two handguns and loaded magazines recovered during the arrest.
The university’s response to the shooting has been swift. Following the attack, Brown University canceled all remaining classes and exams, allowing students to leave campus as a precaution. The shooting coincided with a critical period in the academic calendar, as final exams were underway, exacerbating the impact on students and faculty.
Among the wounded, one student has been released from the hospital, while seven others remain in critical but stable condition. Tragically, one student has been classified as critically injured; she has been identified as Kendall Turner, a recent graduate from Durham Academy in North Carolina. The school has expressed its support for her and her family, stating, “Our school community is rallying around Kendall, her classmates, and her loved ones.”
A candlelight vigil was held in Providence on the evening of the incident, where students and community members gathered to honor the victims and offer support. University President Christina Paxson expressed her gratitude for the resilience of the student body, stating, “They are amazing and they’re supporting each other.”
As this story develops, authorities continue to seek answers regarding the motive behind this devastating attack. The community remains on alert, with many students still processing the traumatic events of the past 24 hours. Further updates are expected as law enforcement continues their investigation.
Stay tuned for more breaking news on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
