Providence, R.I. — In the aftermath of a tragic shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others injured, new revelations have emerged about the suspect’s behavior days leading up to the incident. A longtime custodian reported seeing the alleged shooter on multiple occasions, noting his suspicious actions in the engineering and physics building.
Derek Lisi, who has been employed at Brown for 15 years, observed a man wandering the corridors, scrutinizing classrooms, and attempting to go unnoticed by retreating into a nearby restroom. Lisi relayed his concerns to a campus security officer on two separate occasions, indicating that he sensed something was amiss.
On December 13, the gunman opened fire in a classroom setting, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. In response to the shooting, the head of the university’s public safety department has been placed on administrative leave as Brown conducts a thorough internal review of the incident.
Brown University President Christina Paxson emphasized the importance of an After-Action Review, stating that this assessment is crucial for recovery and understanding the university’s response to such a devastating event. Paxson announced that Rodney Chatman, the vice president for public safety and emergency management, would be on leave as the investigation unfolds.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of Education has initiated its review to determine whether the university violated federal laws regarding campus safety under the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. Officials will examine if Brown adequately met the security obligations necessary for receiving federal student aid.
Initial reports suggested that the university’s surveillance and security infrastructure did not meet appropriate standards, allowing the suspect to evade capture while authorities struggled to provide vital information about him during the chaotic situation. Additionally, numerous students and staff members expressed concerns about delays in emergency notifications that could have compromised their safety.
In the wake of this tragedy, President Paxson announced immediate steps to enhance campus security ahead of the spring semester. Planned measures include the installation of security cameras in the affected building, an increased police presence, additional access points requiring key cards, and the implementation of panic alarms.
Ignoring the school’s tragic events, the Brown University board of trustees has faced criticism for its silence. Composed of influential figures from various sectors, the board holds significant responsibility for overseeing the university’s strategic direction and the president’s performance. Several individuals are now calling for more vocal support from the board as the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting.
The motive behind the attack remains uncertain, especially since the suspect, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, took his own life following the incident. Described as an “angry genius,” Valente had also been implicated in the killing of an MIT professor, further complicating the tragedy that unfolded across multiple campuses.
As the community seeks answers and healing, observers expect a series of lawsuits to arise from the incident, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative surrounding this tragic event.