Person of Interest Identified in Brown University Mass Shooting

A violent attack during a routine academic day at an Ivy League campus has left a community searching for answers as authorities move closer to determining who was responsible and why.

A person of interest had been taken into police custody following a deadly mass shooting at Brown University that left at least two people dead and multiple others injured, officials confirmed on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced during a morning news conference that a person of interest had been detained in connection with the shooting.

Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said the individual was taken into custody early Sunday morning and that investigators are not actively searching for any additional suspects at this time. Authorities said the detained person is in their 30s.

As of Monday, December 15, 2025, the person of interest is reportedly being released.

Victims' Conditions and Hospital Updates

Mayor Smiley provided an update on the injured victims, saying seven people remain hospitalized in stable condition. One individual is listed as critical but stable, while another injured person has been discharged.

Officials previously said the shooting resulted in at least two deaths and nine injuries. According to authorities, the two people killed and eight of the injured victims were students. A ninth person suffered minor injuries from bullet fragments and was not seriously hurt; their status remains unclear.

Shooting Took Place During Final Exams

The shooting occurred inside a first-floor classroom at the Barus & Holley Engineering Building while final exams were underway. Authorities said a gunman dressed in black entered the building, opened fire, and fled the scene before police arrived.

The incident triggered an immediate lockdown across the Brown University campus and surrounding areas of Providence as law enforcement launched a large-scale manhunt. Students and staff were instructed to shelter in place while officers worked to secure the area.

Brown University Suspends Academic Activities

In response to the violence, Brown University announced widespread academic disruptions. Provost Francis J. Doyle said in a statement that all remaining undergraduate, graduate, and medical school classes, exams, papers, and projects for the fall 2025 semester will not take place as scheduled.

University officials said additional guidance regarding academic accommodations and campus resources will be provided as more information becomes available.

Authorities have not released the identity of the person of interest or details about a possible motive. Police said the investigation remains ongoing and that further updates will be shared when appropriate.

Officials also emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the campus or the surrounding Providence community at this time.