Providence officials said Sunday night that a person previously detained as a person of interest in the Brown University shooting will be released from custody, as investigators continue pursuing additional leads in the case.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the decision while speaking to reporters, saying authorities do not plan to file charges against the individual at this time.
“We will be releasing the person of interest who had been detained earlier today,” Smiley said. He acknowledged that the development could raise new concerns in the community but emphasized that officials have not identified any ongoing public safety threat.
“We have not received any credible or specific threats to the Providence community,” Smiley said. “The status of safety in our community remains unchanged, and we believe that you remain safe.”
The individual had been detained early Sunday morning at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, following an overnight investigation into Saturday’s shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others wounded. Authorities said federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies assisted in the operation.
Police have not released the identity of the individual and said the investigation remains active. No charges have been filed, and officials declined to discuss potential suspects or motives.
Brown University has postponed all remaining classes and exams for the Fall 2025 semester. Portions of the campus remain active crime scenes, though shelter-in-place orders have been lifted.
Officials said investigators continue reviewing evidence, executing search warrants, and conducting interviews. Additional updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
