Providence, R.I. — In a tragic incident during final exam week, a gunman opened fire in a classroom at Brown University on Saturday, claiming the lives of two students and injuring nine others. The shooter, described as wearing dark clothing, remains unidentified, prompting extensive investigations from local law enforcement and federal authorities.
On Sunday, a person of interest was taken into custody but was released later that evening. Officials indicated that the evidence collected did not support the continued detention of that individual. The FBI has since announced a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the suspect’s identification, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any video footage that may assist in piecing together the events leading up to the shooting. Despite the release of a new video timeline and a clearer image of a potential suspect, investigators still lack definitive leads. All publicly shared videos show the shooter’s face obscured, making it challenging for law enforcement to develop a concrete profile.
In their pursuit of information, officers have been canvassing neighborhoods around the university. Surveillance footage registered a figure in dark attire moving through various streets around the time of the attack, further complicating the investigation. The footage captures the individual’s movements near the engineering building, where the shooting occurred.
Described as stocky and approximately 5-foot-8, the gunman is depicted in the clips darting away and changing direction when approached by passersby. Two critical videos from moments after the shooting show the person leaving a parking lot and heading down a street.
The university community is reeling from the shock of the violence. School officials have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and are coordinating with counseling services for students and staff affected by the incident. Classes have been canceled and support resources made available in response to the tragedy.
As investigators continue to search for the suspect, the atmosphere on campus is one of heightened security and caution. The shocking event has disrupted the sense of safety that many on campus had previously enjoyed, leaving students and faculty anxiously awaiting further updates.
While the investigation remains ongoing, police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward, hoping that community involvement will bring clarity to an increasingly complex situation.