Brown University shooting: Person of interest detained in connection with attack to be released

This story has been updated to reflect new developments in the investigation.

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND: Federal and state authorities provided shifting updates Sunday in the investigation into the deadly Brown University shooting, as officials confirmed that a previously detained person of interest has been released while the search for the suspect continues. 

The developments came after FBI Director Kash Patel said a person of interest, in his 20s, had been detained amid a sweeping, round-the-clock multi-agency response aimed at bringing those responsible to justice.

However, by Sunday night, officials said there was no longer a reason to keep him in custody in connection with the shooting. “Evidence now points in a different direction,” Gov. Dan McKee said on Sunday night.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said “a quantum of evidence” justified detaining the person of interest and that the investigation would continue to let evidence take authorities in the right direction.

“We have not yet solved this case,” Neronha said, “but I’m confident we’re going to do that, and I am confident we’re going to do that in the very near future.”

Officials say earlier detainee released after evidence review

Police confirmed Sunday night that a man detained earlier in connection with the deadly Brown University shooting has been released after investigators determined there was not enough evidence to prosecute. Police Chief Oscar L. Perez Jr. said the individual was located after a tip was received and the FBI followed up, but the evidence gathered did not link the person to the shooting.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said the investigation remains ongoing, stressing that there are still “a lot of steps left to take.” While acknowledging the twists common in major investigations, McKee said authorities are continuing to pursue all leads and expressed confidence in law enforcement, adding, “We’re going to solve it.”

FBI details command post and technical response

In a post on X, Patel said that the FBI’s Boston field office established a command post to intake, develop, and analyze investigative leads after the campus shooting in Providence, Rhode Island. He said specialized federal teams were activated to accelerate the investigation.

Patel said that the FBI had deployed its Cellular Analysis Survey Team to provide geolocation capabilities as investigators worked to reconstruct the shooting and track leads.

"As a result, early this morning, FBI Boston’s Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the US Marshals and the Coventry Police Department, detained a person of interest in a hotel room in Coventry, Rhode Island," Patel wrote.

He added that both local and national FBI resources were sent to the scene, including headquarters and laboratory personnel.

Person of interest detained as probe accelerates

Authorities later confirmed that the person of interest is a man in his 20s. Police declined to release identifying details, citing the integrity of the investigation.

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said that detectives were collecting evidence and reviewing items already seized, adding that the investigators had worked through the night and that the case was progressing rapidly.

Officials said that no confirmation had been made regarding the suspect’s identity, and warned against speculation as prosecutors evaluated potential charges.

Shooting left two dead and nine injured

The shooting occurred on Saturday afternoon inside Brown University’s Barus and Holley engineering and physics building, prompting a campus lockdown and an overnight manhunt.

Two people were killed and nine others injured. Victims were transported to area hospitals, where Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said they are receiving "excellent medical care."

Families of all victims have not yet been notified, officials said, citing holiday travel and the need to make direct contact before releasing identities.

FBI opens public media intake portal

Patel said that the FBI had established a digital media intake portal to collect images and video from members of the public who were in the area at the time of the shooting.

He said that victim specialists were working alongside investigative teams to support survivors and families affected by what he described as "horrific violence."

"This FBI will continue an all out 24/7 campaign until justice is fully served," Patel wrote.

City and state officials urge unity

Rhode Island Gov Daniel McKee urged residents to support one another as the investigation continued, saying that the tragedy had deeply affected the state.

"Let’s do what Rhode Islanders do best," McKee said. "Let’s stand by and support our neighbors when they most need it."

Mayor Smiley said that a community vigil would be held at Lippitt Memorial Park, where residents were already scheduled to gather to light a Christmas tree and a menorah for the first night of Hanukkah.

University community shaken by attack

Brown University President Christina Paxson described the past day as "unimaginable" in a message to alumni, saying that the school was working with law enforcement while offering support to displaced students and affected families.

Students who were inside the building at the time of the shooting described hearing chaos and fleeing as the police arrived. Some remained sheltered overnight as authorities searched for the suspect.

Investigation remains ongoing

Officials stressed that no further details would be released until charges were finalized and families notified. Law enforcement agencies said that coordination between federal, state, and local partners remained active.

Patel thanked FBI personnel and partner agencies for their work, while urging the public to keep victims, families, and the Brown University community in their prayers.