Hours after a gunman opened fire inside Brown University’s Barus and Holley Engineering Building in Providence, Rhode Island, police confirmed that a person of interest connected to the Dec. 13 mass shooting is now in custody.
“The people of Providence can breathe a little easier this morning,” Mayor Brett Smiley said during a news conference on Sunday morning, Dec. 14.
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all of the people who were killed or injured in the shooting were Brown University students.
The situation is still unfolding, and many details — including exactly what happened and who the shooter is — remain unclear. Here’s what authorities have confirmed so far, and what questions are still unanswered.
Brown University mass shooting: What we know so far
Police received the first call reporting the shooting at around 4:05 p.m. At the time, final exams were being held in the Barus and Holley Engineering Building from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., which meant the building was crowded.
The shooting took place inside a first-floor classroom of the engineering building. The building and surrounding complex are bordered by Hope Street, Waterman Street, George Street, and Brook Street.
Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Eight additional victims were found and transported to Rhode Island Hospital, which is owned by Brown University Health. A ninth victim left the scene without realizing they had been injured by shrapnel but was later located and also taken to the hospital.
As of late Saturday night, Rhode Island Hospital reported that six victims were in critical but stable condition. One victim remains in critical condition, while two others are listed as stable. Officials said none of the victims’ conditions have worsened.
Police initially described the suspect as a male dressed in all black and possibly in his 30s. Providence Police Chief Perez later confirmed that this description matches the person of interest who was detained.
Authorities said the suspect was seen leaving the building and exiting onto Hope Street.
Law enforcement worked late into the night to clear and evacuate Brown University buildings and to bring students to an established reunification center.
The Coventry Police Department confirmed that the person of interest was taken into custody at a hotel on Center of New England Boulevard.
Investigators continue to gather evidence in and around Brown University buildings.
Brown University mass shooting: What we don’t know
Police have not said what type of firearm was used in the shooting. However, they confirmed during a press conference that shell casings were recovered from the scene.
It is also still unclear how the gunman entered the building. Authorities have only described how the suspect exited — onto Hope Street — but not how he got inside.
Finally, the identity of the gunman has not yet been released.
As the investigation continues, officials say more information will be shared when it becomes available.
