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‘Person of Interest’ Identified in Brown University Mass Shooting



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  • A “person of interest” is in custody in relation to the shooting at Brown University that left at least two people dead and nine others injured on Dec. 13
  • The gunman’s identity has not yet been made public, nor have any charges
  • A shelter-in-place order for the Rhode Island college has been lifted as of Dec. 14

Editor’s note: This story has been revised to clarify that authorities have labeled the person detained as a “person of interest” and they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting. They have not yet at this time labeled him a “suspect.”  

A “person of interest” is in police custody following the deadly mass shooting at Brown University.

PEOPLE can confirm that the Providence Police Department (PPD) has detained the individual in connection with the tragedy, which left at least two people dead and nine others injured.

Josh Estrella, the communications director for the mayor of Providence, tells PEOPLE that the shelter-in-place order for the Rhode Island college has also been lifted.

According to NBC News, the person of interest, a man, had “a unique characteristic” on the gun allegedly used in the shooting. The weapon was found when he was taken into custody, the outlet reported.

The individual’s identity has not yet been made public, nor have any charges. Col. Oscar Perez, the chief of police in Providence, said during a Dec. 14 press conference, per NBC News, that authorities are not searching for any other perpetrators.

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Brown University.

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Brown, an Ivy League school, first announced that there was an active shooter near Barus & Holley, a computer lab and engineering building on campus, shortly after 4 p.m. local time on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Shortly after, officials falsely stated that a suspect was in custody, but said in a follow-up alert minutes later that no suspects had been apprehended.

Police previously provided a description of the person of interest, saying he was “a male dressed in black,” and later released security footage of the man believed to be the shooter.

Commander Timothy O’Hara said it is “unknown” how the individual entered the building where the shooting took place, but police had been “utilizing every resource possible” to find the perpetrator.

Brown University after the shooting on Dec. 13.

Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty 


Of the nine people injured in the incident, one was in critical condition, six were in critical but stable condition and two were stabilized, a Brown University Health spokesperson said, per NBC News. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley later said in a news conference on Dec. 14 that one person had been discharged, according to the outlet.

The identities of the deceased and injured have yet to be made public as of Dec. 14.

Despite the shelter-in-place order being lifted, Brown said in a message on its website, “Police activity continues in areas that are still considered an active crime scene.”

“Be advised that access to these areas of campus continues to be limited,” the school continued, adding that “community members who leave those buildings will be unable to return.”

University President Christina H. Paxson described the tragedy as “a day that no university community is ever prepared for.”

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