Authorities have confirmed that a person of interest is in custody following a deadly mass shooting on the Brown University campus in Providence, Rhode Island. The incident, which took place on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at approximately 4:22 PM, has left the university community and the nation in shock.
The Arrest and Key Evidence
In a press conference, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, along with the Rhode Island Governor and Providence Police Chief, announced that a “person of interest” was detained in the early hours of the morning by the FBI and local police. While not yet officially labeled a suspect, law enforcement officials have expressed a high degree of confidence that they have the individual responsible for the attack.
The breakthrough in the investigation came from witnesses who described a “unique characteristic” on the gunman’s weapon. According to NBC News, a firearm matching that specific description was found in the possession of the person taken into custody.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting occurred inside a classroom where students were reportedly taking a final exam for an economics or engineering class. The tragedy has resulted in the death of two individuals, and at least nine others were injured. The shelter-in-place order for the campus has since been lifted.
Questions remain about how the shooter gained access to the building, which was unlocked for exams. Witnesses reported that the gunman was wearing black clothing and possibly a camouflage mask during the attack. However, the person of interest was not wearing the same attire when detained, leading investigators to believe they may have changed clothes. Police are actively investigating whether the individual had any prior connection to the university, the specific building, or the class that was targeted.
Ongoing Investigation
At this stage, authorities have not yet determined a motive for the shooting. Officials have stated that there is no current indication of a nexus to terrorism. The investigation is ongoing, and further details regarding the suspect and potential charges are expected to be released as the case develops.
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