Brown University and the surrounding Providence community are beginning to move out of crisis mode after a violent shooting on campus on Saturday, December 13. According to early Sunday morning updates, police have taken a person of interest into custody and lifted the shelter-in-place order that kept students and residents indoors through the night.
While many questions remain about the suspect, the victims, and the motive, local leaders say the swift response by police, campus security, and federal partners helped bring the immediate threat under control within about 24 hours. The investigation now moves into a new phase focused on gathering evidence and supporting those affected.
Person of Interest Taken Into Custody
Providence police confirmed that a person of interest connected to the Brown University mass shooting is in custody. Major David Lapatin told reporters that the individual was brought to the police station and is being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities had been searching for a man, possibly in his 30s, who was seen wearing dark or all-black clothing and leaving the scene on foot along Hope Street. In the early morning hours, Coventry Police reported that the person of interest was detained at a hotel on Centre of New England Boulevard, a large commercial area with multiple hotels and businesses.
Police have not yet released the person’s name or any charges. For now, they are describing him as a person of interest while investigators work to confirm his connection to the shooting.
Mayor: “People of Providence Can Breathe a Little Easier”
At a 7 a.m. press briefing, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that a person of interest had been detained. He told residents that with this development, “the people of Providence can breathe a little easier this morning,” while stressing that law enforcement still has significant work ahead.
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez said that the next steps will include coordinating closely with prosecutors, reviewing security footage, collecting physical evidence, and conducting more interviews. Federal partners, including the FBI Boston Field Office, are also involved in the case.
Ted Docks, representing the FBI, praised local agencies for their quick and coordinated response, noting that collaboration between city, campus, and federal authorities was critical to identifying and locating the person of interest in less than a day.
Shelter-in-Place Order Lifted for Brown Campus
In the hours after the shooting, Brown University issued a shelter-in-place alert, instructing students, staff, and nearby residents to stay indoors while police searched for the suspect and secured the scene. The alert remained active overnight as officers worked through multiple city blocks and campus buildings.
Shortly before 6 a.m., Brown sent an updated alert stating that Providence police had advised that the shelter-in-place order was no longer in effect for the campus. Classes and normal activities are still expected to be impacted as parts of the campus remain within the active crime-scene perimeter.
The university warned that areas like Minden Hall and nearby apartment buildings remain restricted. Anyone who leaves those buildings may not be allowed to return right away, and all community members are being asked to follow instructions from law enforcement at all times.
How the Manhunt Unfolded
From the first reports of an active shooter on campus, police treated the situation as a top priority. Officers converged on Brown University, secured buildings, and began searching for the suspect based on the initial description shared with the public and the campus community.
The incident triggered a large law enforcement presence, with multiple agencies closing streets, locking down nearby buildings, and warning residents to avoid the area. The manhunt continued into the night, as investigators reviewed camera footage, followed up on tips, and canvassed businesses and hotels.
By early Sunday morning, Coventry Police confirmed that a person of interest had been taken into custody at a hotel along Centre of New England Boulevard. The development marked a key turning point that allowed officials to lift the shelter-in-place order and begin shifting resources from active pursuit to detailed investigation.
Context: Other High-Profile Manhunts
The speed of this case, with a person of interest detained within about 24 hours, invites comparison with other recent incidents where suspects remained at large for longer periods.
In several high-profile shootings, including the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and the targeted shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, suspects were not apprehended until days later or after multi-state searches. Historic cases like the Boston Marathon bombing also involved complex, days-long manhunts with massive disruptions to daily life.
In contrast, officials in Providence emphasized that strong coordination, rapid information sharing, and help from the public all played a role in identifying and locating the Brown University suspect more quickly.
Support for Students and the Campus Community
Even as police work on the investigative details, the emotional impact on students, staff, and neighbors is becoming clear. A campus shooting disrupts not only the physical safety of a university but also the sense of security and routine that students rely on.
Brown University is expected to offer counseling and support services in the coming days, including drop-in spaces, mental health appointments, and gatherings where students can process what happened. Local faith leaders and community organizations may also coordinate vigils and support groups.
What We Still Do Not Know
As of early Sunday morning, many important details have not yet been released. Authorities have not shared the full number or condition of victims, nor have they publicly discussed a possible motive. The identity of the person of interest also remains undisclosed while questioning continues.
Investigators will likely spend days or weeks reviewing video, interviewing witnesses, analyzing digital evidence, and piecing together a full picture of what led up to the shooting. Prosecutors will then decide on specific charges and next steps in the legal process.
For now, officials are asking the public to avoid speculation, rely on verified updates from police and the university, and share any credible information that might help the investigation.
Moving Forward After a Campus Tragedy
For students and staff, the hours and days after a campus shooting can feel confusing and heavy. It may take time before anyone feels ready to return to normal routines, even as classes, research, and campus life slowly resume.
Mental health professionals often encourage people affected by traumatic events to:
- Reach out to friends, family, or counselors instead of isolating
- Limit constant exposure to news and social media coverage
- Stick to simple routines like regular meals and sleep
- Use campus and community support services when needed
Brown University and the Providence community will likely continue to come together in the days ahead, both to honor those affected and to discuss long-term safety and prevention steps on campus.
As more information becomes available from police and university officials, updates will help clarify what happened, who was involved, and how the justice system will respond. For now, the key development is that a person of interest is in custody and the immediate threat to campus has eased.
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