Journalist Paul C. Kelly Campos of Ocean State Media reports on the ongoing investigation into the Saturday shooting on Brown University’s campus that left two people dead and at least nine others wounded.
Providence Police Chief Oscar L. Perez said the probe is moving quickly but provided limited details about a person of interest taken into custody Sunday morning at a hotel in Coventry, a semirural Rhode Island town. The individual, described as a man in his 20s, was detained after authorities were tipped off about his location; Chief Perez declined to specify how officers received that information. FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team assisted in locating the suspect. Perez repeatedly stressed investigators want to be 100% certain of details before making formal charges and that the investigation is ongoing.
Mayor Brett Smiley did not release victim names, saying some families have not yet been notified because of holiday travel. He told reporters one wounded person has been discharged, one remains in critical but stable condition, and seven others are in stable condition. The mayor said the tragedy has deeply affected Providence and the state.
On campus, students described a somber atmosphere amid snowy weather. Brown med student Anh Nguyen said he was taking exams when the lockdown order came and remarked on the wrenching frequency of such events. Brown University has canceled final exams for the time being while the community processes the aftermath.
Officials said crime-scene work on campus is winding down and the investigation is entering a new phase. A planned Christmas tree and menorah lighting at a nearby Providence park was converted into a memorial for the victims.
Paul C. Kelly Campos reported from Providence for Ocean State Media. Copyright © 2025 NPR. All rights reserved.