Person of Interest Released in Brown University Shooting Investigation

Authorities have released a person of interest detained in connection with the Brown University shooting that resulted in two deaths and nine injuries. The individual, a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin, was apprehended early Sunday at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 28 miles south of Providence. At the time of his detention, he was reportedly in possession of two firearms.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the release during a press conference on Sunday night, stating that the individual was released without charges. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha explained that initial evidence pointed to this individual, but it "now points in a different direction."

The shooting occurred on Saturday afternoon during final exams in the Barus & Holley engineering building at Brown University. A gunman entered a classroom and fired over 40 rounds using a 9mm handgun, resulting in two student fatalities and nine injuries. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large.

Among the victims, six are in critical but stable condition, one is in critical condition, one is in stable condition, and one has been discharged from the hospital.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local authorities, are continuing their investigation and have released surveillance footage of a masked individual dressed in black near the scene. They urge anyone with information to come forward.

The Brown University community is mourning the loss of two students. One of the victims has been identified as Ella Cook, a student and parishioner at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama. Reverend Craig Smalley described her as "incredibly grounded and generous and faithful" and a "bright light" in the church and community.

In response to the tragedy, the university has canceled all remaining classes and exams for the semester and is providing support services to students. A vigil was held in Providence to honor the victims, with community leaders emphasizing the need for healing and solidarity.

This incident marks one of nearly 400 mass shootings in the United States in 2025, highlighting the ongoing threat of gun violence in educational institutions.