Biden on Brown University shooting: 'We must do more to prevent gun violence and save lives'

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Joe Biden has addressed the Saturday, December 13, shooting at Brown University that claimed the lives of two students and wounded nine others. 

Biden called for more efforts to prevent gun violence, saying the country "can and must do more to prevent gun violence and save lives."

Biden condemns Brown University shooting as 'senseless violence'

Strongly condemning the attack, Biden wrote in a post on X, "Students should have the freedom to learn in school without having to fear for their lives," following it up with "Period."

He mourned the national impact of such tragedies, saying, "We must never accept senseless violence that leaves families and communities shattered. It pierces the very soul of our nation."

Biden further stated that Americans "can and must do more to prevent gun violence and save lives." 

"Jill and I are grieving the lives lost and those wounded at Brown University, and we are keeping the victims, their loved ones, and all of Providence in our prayers," he concluded. 

FBI geolocation helps track shooting suspect

Following the attack at the Ivy League school in Providence, Rhode Island, authorities successfully apprehended a person of interest.

Officials confirmed on Sunday that two handguns were recovered during the arrest, with one of the firearms reportedly having a laser.

Meanwhile, the FBI Director Kash Patel briefed on the invaluable contribution made by federal agencies in tracking the suspect.

Patel posted an update on X, revealing that the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team provided essential "geolocation capabilities" which aided the FBI Boston’s Safe Streets Task Force, US Marshals, and Coventry Police Department in detaining the person of interest at a Coventry hotel room. 

According to reports, this detention was prompted by a tip that Providence police received.

Rhode Island lowers flags to honor shooting victims

In the wake of the incident, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee ordered a public demonstration of mourning, lowering all state buildings and facilities' flags to half staff to honor the victims. 

Governor McKee released a statement offering his condolences, saying, “My heart is with the victims, the families, the Brown University community, and the brave law enforcement officials who responded to this horrific attack." 

He praised the state's resilience, adding, “In the face of tragedy, Rhode Island will do what we do best: come together with compassion and resolve to support one another.”