Authorities have released the person of interest detained in connection with the deadly mass shooting at Brown University after determining there was no legal basis to continue holding the individual, officials confirmed Sunday night.
The announcement was made during a late-night news conference, marking a major setback in an investigation that initially appeared to be making progress earlier in the day. The shooting, which killed two students and injured nine others, triggered hours of lockdowns and widespread fear across the Ivy League campus.
With the release of the individual, law enforcement officials say there is currently no suspect in the case. Authorities have pledged to intensify efforts, including a renewed search for surveillance footage that may help identify the shooter.
“We have a murderer out there,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, while Providence Mayor Brett Smiley acknowledged that the development is likely to heighten anxiety within the community.
Despite increased police presence on campus, officials are not recommending another shelter-in-place order. The lockdown imposed after the Saturday afternoon shooting was lifted early Sunday. Investigators have not yet disclosed a motive.
The shooting occurred during final exams, one of the busiest periods of the academic year. Brown University canceled all remaining classes and assessments for the semester, allowing students to leave campus.
University President Christina Paxson said students have shown remarkable resilience in the aftermath, adding that several of the injured remain in critical but stable condition. One student has been released from the hospital.
Community members gathered Sunday evening to honor the victims during a previously scheduled holiday event, as city leaders urged unity and resilience while the investigation continues.
