Authorities in Rhode Island have taken a suspect into custody in connection with the deadly shooting at Brown University, an attack that left two people dead and several others injured and sent shockwaves through one of the most prestigious campuses in the United States.
According to law enforcement officials, the man was arrested off campus following an intensive, multi-agency manhunt that unfolded in the hours after the shooting. Investigators tracked the suspect’s movements using surveillance footage, witness accounts, and digital evidence, leading to his detention at a location outside Providence.
While police confirmed the arrest, they emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. As of now, the suspect has been identified as a “person of interest”, and authorities have not publicly released his name or formally announced criminal charges. Officials stated that no additional suspects are currently being sought and that there is no ongoing threat to the campus or surrounding community.
The shooting occurred during a regular academic day, triggering an immediate lockdown across Brown University. Students and faculty received emergency alerts instructing them to shelter in place, lock doors, and remain silent as police swept buildings room by room. Classes were canceled, and campus operations were suspended as emergency responders rushed victims to nearby hospitals.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear, with students barricading themselves in classrooms and fleeing hallways as gunshots echoed through the building. Several victims were transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where medical officials reported that some were in critical condition while others were stabilized.
University President Christina Paxson addressed the Brown community following the arrest, calling the attack “a devastating and unimaginable tragedy.” Counseling services and mental health support were immediately expanded for students, faculty, and staff struggling to process the violence.
The arrest has brought a measure of relief, but many questions remain unanswered — including the suspect’s motive and how he gained access to the campus. Law enforcement officials have not confirmed whether the suspect had any prior connection to Brown University.
The shooting has reignited national discussions about campus security, gun violence, and public safety in the United States, particularly at institutions traditionally seen as safe and insulated from such acts of violence.
As investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the attack, authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and rely only on verified information. For now, the Brown University community mourns the lives lost while grappling with a reality that has become increasingly familiar across the country: no place, not even elite academic campuses, is immune to gun violence.