Brown University Shooting Manhunt Resets After Person of Interest Released, Authorities Say
Providence, R.I. — The manhunt for the gunman responsible for the deadly shooting at Brown University has entered a critical new phase after authorities confirmed late Sunday that a detained person of interest has been released, forcing investigators to reassess their strategy as the campus and surrounding community remain on edge.
The shooting, which occurred Saturday afternoon inside a classroom at Brown’s Barus and Holley engineering building, left two students dead and nine others wounded, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the university’s history. Despite early investigative momentum, police say the suspect remains at large, and surveillance footage of a man dressed in all black continues to be the most significant lead.
What Happened at Brown University
According to Providence police, the shooting unfolded around 4 p.m. Saturday when a gunman opened fire inside a classroom in the engineering complex. Students and faculty scrambled for safety as shots rang out, triggering an immediate lockdown of the campus.
First responders rushed to the scene, where they discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Two students were pronounced dead, while nine others were transported to local hospitals with injuries ranging from serious to critical.
University officials later confirmed that one of the victims killed was Ella Cook, a 19-year-old sophomore from Alabama. Cook was active in campus life and served as vice president of the Brown University College Republicans, according to her church. Tributes poured in from classmates, student organizations, and community members who described her as driven, kind, and deeply committed to her faith and studies.
The identities of the second student killed and several of the wounded victims have not been publicly released.
Wounded Student Identified
On Monday, one of the nine wounded students was identified as Kendall Turner, a former student at Durham Academy in Durham, North Carolina. In a statement to Fox News, the school confirmed Turner remains hospitalized.
“Her family has informed us that she is currently in critical but stable condition and is receiving care at a local hospital,” the statement said. “Her parents are with her. We hope for her continued strength and recovery.”
The school added that its community is rallying around Turner and her loved ones as she continues to recover.
Person of Interest Released
Investigators initially announced early Sunday morning that a person of interest had been taken into custody, raising hopes that the suspect may have been identified. However, those hopes were tempered hours later when officials confirmed the individual would be released.
Police did not disclose the individual’s identity or the specific reason for the release but emphasized that the decision was based on the ongoing investigation and available evidence.
The announcement effectively reset the manhunt and underscored the challenges authorities face in piecing together what happened and who is responsible.
Surveillance Video Remains Key Evidence
Providence police say the most promising lead remains surveillance video captured near the campus. The footage shows a man dressed entirely in black walking near an intersection shortly after the shooting.
Investigators believe the individual may have left the Barus and Holley building on foot following the attack. Authorities have released still images and video clips from the surveillance footage and are urging the public to scrutinize them closely.
“This video is still the most useful tool we have right now,” police said, reiterating calls for tips from anyone who may recognize the individual or have additional footage from the area.
Police Ask Public for Help
On Monday, Providence police again appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone with information, photos, or videos related to the shooting to come forward.
“As the investigation continues, we are asking anyone with relevant information, including video or photo evidence, to submit it by phone or through the FBI tip line,” the department said in a post on X.
Tips can be submitted by calling (401) 272-3121 or through the FBI’s tip line.
Former FBI Agent: ‘Back to the Drawing Board’
A former FBI special agent told Fox News that the release of the person of interest suggests investigators may need to reassess their approach.
“When you detain someone and then release them, it means the evidence didn’t line up the way investigators initially hoped,” the former agent said. “At this point, they have to go back to the drawing board, re-examine timelines, re-interview witnesses, and scrutinize every frame of video.”
The former agent added that campus shootings present unique challenges due to the density of people, the rapid movement of suspects, and the often-limited clarity of surveillance footage.
Campus and Community on Edge
Brown University remains under heightened security as students grapple with grief, fear, and unanswered questions. Makeshift memorials featuring flowers, candles, and handwritten notes have appeared near the engineering building, as students and faculty gather to mourn the victims.
University officials have canceled some classes and increased counseling resources, encouraging students to seek support as the investigation continues.
“Our hearts are broken,” one student said at a vigil Sunday night. “We came here to learn and build a future. No one expects something like this to happen in a classroom.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have not commented on a possible motive, nor have they said whether the shooter was a student, employee, or outsider. Investigators continue to review surveillance footage, digital evidence, and witness statements in hopes of identifying the suspect.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that while the release of the person of interest is a setback, it does not mean progress has stalled.
“These investigations take time,” one official said. “We are committed to finding the individual responsible and bringing justice to the victims and their families.”
A Community Waiting for Answers
As the manhunt continues, the Brown University community — and the nation — waits for answers. For now, the image of a dark-clad figure on surveillance video stands as the most tangible clue in a case that has shaken one of the country’s most prestigious campuses.
Police say they will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available, urging patience, vigilance, and cooperation from the public as the search for the gunman presses on.