Shooting suspect arrested after two killed and multiple injured at Brown University
Police have detained a 'person of interest' after two people were killed at a shooting at Brown University yesterday (13 December).
Nine others were left injured after a gunman opened fire at the Ivy League campus in Providence, Rhode Island, during final exams. Medics say one person was in critical condition, with six 'critical but stable' and two others less severely hurt.
Details regarding the person of interest's connection to the university are yet to be released.
The previous order for those on campus and surrounding areas to shelter has been lifted as an X post from Providence Police reads: "We have detained a person of interest in connection with yesterdays shooting at Brown. The shelter in place has been lifted."
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Identities of those who were killed and injured are also yet to be released as Brown University President Christina Paxson said that all were students.
A manhunt began following the shooting as police released CCTV footage of a male suspect walking away from the scene, wearing all black clothing as officers said a firearm was not found when they swept the building.
The latest update from Brown University reads: "Providence police have advised the University that the shelter in place order has ended for the entire Brown campus. However, 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. Within the police perimeter, including Minden Hall and nearby apartment buildings, community members who leave those buildings will be unable to return. It is important to follow instructions from law enforcement at all times."
The shooting reportedly took place at Brown's Barus and Holley building, a seven-storey complex housing the School of Engineering and physics department at the eastern end of campus. According to the university's site, it includes over 100 laboratories, dozens of classrooms and offices.
“The unthinkable has happened,” said Democratic Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee as Mayor Brett Smiley added: "The Brown community’s heart is breaking, and Providence’s heart is breaking along with it."
Speaking last night, investigators were not yet sure how the gunman was able to get into the first-floor classroom where he opened fire. The building's outer doors were unlocked and Smiley explained that the rooms being used for final exams required badge access.
It is believed the suspect used a handgun, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorised to discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity.
President Donald Trump said that he had been briefed on the incident and 'all we can do right now is pray for the victims'.
Rhode Island is described as having some of the strictest gun laws in the US.
Jess Battison