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Two Dead, Nine Wounded in Brown University Shooting; Person of Interest in Custody

2025-12-14

The BareStory

A shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, December 13, left two people dead and nine others wounded. The incident prompted an hours-long campus lockdown. By Sunday morning, police had taken a person of interest into custody.

According to officials, the person of interest was apprehended at a hotel in Coventry, approximately 17 miles from the university. Providence police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said the individual was in their 30s but was not immediately identified. The chief declined to state whether the person was affiliated with the university, citing the early stages of the investigation. Police also stated that a tip from the public led to the detention.

In the aftermath, Brown University officials canceled all remaining classes, exams, and papers for the fall semester. Provost Francis Doyle announced that students were free to return home and that support services would be available for the community. The attack occurred as students were taking final exams.

Providence Mayor Smiley visited survivors at a Rhode Island hospital, where eight victims were still receiving treatment as of Sunday, and commented that the community was saddened by the event. One university senior, Ben Marcus, said he and about 30 others sheltered in place for nearly seven hours. Marcus stated that he lost a close friend in the attack. The New England Patriots football organization also issued a statement describing itself as "heartbroken."

Left Perspective

  • A person of interest has been taken into custody.
  • The university canceled all remaining academic activities for the semester.
  • University and city officials are providing support and monitoring survivors.

Right Perspective

  • The attack resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries.
  • Students experienced a prolonged and traumatic campus lockdown.
  • The wider community expressed grief over the incident.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The abrupt cancellation of the semester at Brown University will likely disrupt travel and holiday plans for students and their families across the country.

• With a person of interest in custody, the motive is still unknown. Information regarding any potential wider risk to the public has not been released.

• The event may increase national public and parental concerns regarding safety protocols and security measures on college and university campuses.

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