A person of interest detained in connection with the Brown University shooting that left two students dead and nine injured will be released after the investigation led authorities in a different direction, officials announced Sunday night. This unexpected turn of events came hours after the initial announcement of the person’s arrest, leaving the individual responsible for the attack still at large.
The shooting, which occurred during final exams, caused chaos on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods as law enforcement searched for the shooter. The lockdown was eventually lifted, but no motive has been disclosed yet.
Despite taking a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin into custody, no charges have been filed, and authorities have not confirmed any connection to Brown University. The shooting, which involved over 40 rounds fired from a 9mm handgun, left one student released from the hospital and others in critical condition.
As the community comes together to remember the victims, city leaders and residents gathered at a park for a vigil. Mayor Brett Smiley praised the courage and resilience of the wounded students, highlighting their ability to remain hopeful and grateful in the face of tragedy.
Shooting Incident Interrupts Exams at Brown University
During ongoing engineering design exams at Brown University, chaos erupted as gunshots were heard inside the Barus & Holley building. The first-floor classroom, where the shooter gained access, caused panic among students and faculty.
Emma Ferraro, a chemical engineering student, described the terrifying moment when she heard the gunshots while working on a final project in the lobby. She quickly fled to safety in a nearby building, where she waited for hours.
Surveillance footage captured a suspect dressed in black leaving the scene, adding to the mystery of the incident.
‘Survivor’ Contestant Escapes Unharmed
Eva Erickson, a doctoral candidate and former ‘Survivor’ contestant, narrowly avoided the shooting by leaving her lab in the engineering building just minutes before the violence erupted. Known for her appearance on the reality TV show as the first openly autistic contestant, Erickson found herself in lockdown at the campus gym following the incident.
Alex Bruce, a senior biochemistry student at Brown, was shaken by the sirens and police presence outside his dormitory while working on a research project.
Brown University, renowned for its academic excellence and prestigious status, faced a tragic event that disrupted the peaceful campus environment.

