A tragic shooting incident occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday afternoon. The gunman opened fire inside the Barus & Holley building, killing two students and injuring nine others during exam preparations.
Investigation and Person of Interest Identified
On Sunday morning, police detained a man in his 20s, identified as Benjamin Erickson, as a person of interest. Details surrounding his motives remain undisclosed. Authorities emphasized that they are not actively searching for any additional suspects at this time.
Details of the Shooting
- The shooting occurred at approximately 4 p.m. ET.
- Victims were gathered in an economics class during final exams.
- Of the injured, seven were reported in critical but stable condition.
- One victim was discharged after treatment from the hospital.
Reactions and Impact
The shocking violence left the Brown University community in disbelief. Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley expressed concern, noting that while the threat was intellectually acknowledged, experiencing such an event was different.
Messages of condolence poured in from various quarters, including from former President Trump, who expressed his sympathies to the victims’ families and those injured.
Community Response and Support
In response to the tragedy, Brown University President Christina Paxson stated, “Our community is strong, and we’ll get through it.” The university announced the cancellation of almost all remaining in-person exams for the fall semester to prioritize support for those affected by the incident.
Ongoing Investigation Efforts
Law enforcement officials, including Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez, confirmed that the investigation is active. A previous description of the suspect indicated he was dressed in black and fled the scene on foot. Authorities are analyzing footage showing a person of interest leaving the vicinity.
Conclusion
The shooting at Brown University serves as a grim reminder of the potential for violence in educational institutions. The community and university officials are now focusing on healing and recovery amidst this tragedy.
