Brown University Shooting Suspect Released as Evidence Erodes

In a move that has stunned the Providence community, authorities announced that the person of interest in the Saturday Brown University mass shooting has been released from custody.

Release of the Suspect

The announcement came from Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, who said, “Shortly, we will be releasing the person of interest who had been detained earlier today.” The release follows a decision by state officials that the evidence no longer justifies holding the 24‑year‑old man.

Attorney General’s Statement

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha explained that the evidence that once supported detainment had shifted. He told reporters, “We have not yet solved this case,” and added, “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.”

Regret Over Name Leak

Neronha also expressed regret that the suspect’s name had been leaked to the public. He said, “I think what’s really unfortunate is this person’s name was leaked to the public. It’s hard to put that back,” and promised a more careful approach moving forward.

Timing of Detention

The 24‑year‑old was detained Sunday morning, according to three senior law‑enforcement officials who spoke to NBC News. By Sunday night, authorities confirmed there was no longer a basis to hold him in connection with the shooting that killed two students and wounded nine others.

Mayor’s Reassurance

Mayor Smiley acknowledged that the news might cause anxiety among Providence residents. He clarified that no new shelter‑in‑place order would be issued, stating, “The status of safety in our community remains unchanged, and we believe that you remain safe in our community, though we will continue to have an enhanced police presence throughout the city.”

Rapid Response

Providence Police say they located and detained the suspect within 24 hours of the fatal campus shooting. The tip that led to the detention was filed with the FBI, according to Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez.

Identity Unconfirmed

Perez declined to answer questions about the suspect’s identity during a Sunday press conference. He also said he could not confirm or comment on ongoing speculation.

Emphasis on Facts

Smiley reiterated the department’s commitment to facts, stating, “In the years that I have in this police department, we stand on grounded facts, not a speculation,” and added that officials hope to update the public once they have “the appropriate and accurate information.”

Investigation Integrity

Smiley also noted his responsibility to protect the integrity of the investigation, saying, “My goal is that we’re able to have that information as soon as possible,” and that he would not compromise the process.

Firearm Details

Law‑enforcement officials told NBC News that the suspect had a unique characteristic on his firearm, which was discovered when he was taken into custody.

Potential Charges

Perez told NBC News that charges could be filed against the suspect within the next few hours. He emphasized collaboration with the attorney general’s office: “We’re going to work with the attorney general’s office to make sure that we have the right legal requirements for the charges.”

Legal Complexity

The chief highlighted the complexity of the case, noting, “There’s a lot of evidence, there’s a lot of witnesses, and so we have to make sure that we have it all tight. And to make sure we have a good case.”

Holding Limits

Perez also explained that police cannot hold the suspect beyond Monday if charges are not filed. He expressed hope for an arraignment “sooner rather than later.”

FBI Involvement

FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X earlier Sunday that the suspect was taken into custody early Sunday morning at a hotel room in Coventry, Rhode Island. The FBI Boston Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from U.S. Marshals and Coventry police, acted on a lead from Providence police.

Operational Details

Patel’s tweet described the FBI’s actions: “@FBIBoston established a command post to intake, develop and analyze leads, and run them to ground. We activated the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team, to provide critical geolocation capabilities. As a result, early…”

Hotel Location

WJAR reported that the location was a Hampton Inn on Centre of New England Boulevard. The report mentioned caution tape blocking the hallway and agents from the FBI, ATF, and Coventry police present.

Public Observation

Social‑media user Abbey Buttacavoli tweeted a photo showing caution tape in the first‑floor hallway of the Hampton Inn, with officers entering a room. Her caption noted the presence of FBI, ATF, and Coventry police.

Community Impact

The shooting at Brown University left two students dead and injured nine others. The release of the suspect has prompted discussions about the balance between swift justice and due process.

Current Status

The suspect’s release does not mean the case is closed. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and the Attorney General’s office remains engaged.

Ongoing Investigation

Both the Providence Police Department and the state Attorney General’s office emphasize that the investigation is still active. They have not issued a definitive statement on the suspect’s culpability.

Public Communication

Officials have stated that they will provide further updates once they have additional information that can be publicly released without compromising the investigation.

Key Takeaways

• The 24‑year‑old suspect in the Brown University shooting was released from custody after evidence no longer supported detainment.
• Attorney General Peter Neronha confirmed the case remains unsolved but expresses confidence in a near‑future resolution.
• FBI, Providence Police, and the Attorney General’s office continue to investigate, with potential charges pending.

The release of the suspect marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation, but authorities stress that the case is far from closed.