Anxiety level ‘has risen’ amid manhunt in Brown mass shooting, mayor says
The release of a person of interest in the case of a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of two Brown University students in Providence, Rhode Island, has heightened anxiety levels among residents, according to Mayor Brett Smiley.
Speaking to ABC News, Mayor Smiley acknowledged the increased anxiety in the community following the release of the individual. However, he emphasized that there have been no credible threats to the community or the university.
Law enforcement officials, both federal and local, are continuing their investigation into the mass shooting that took place in an academic building on Saturday. The person of interest, who was initially taken into custody early on Sunday, was later released as authorities found no basis to keep them detained.
Mayor Smiley did not confirm whether the released individual was completely cleared of any involvement in the case. He also refrained from indicating whether the investigation was leaning towards a student or someone from off-campus.
The shooting resulted in the tragic loss of two lives and left nine others injured. The injured victims were promptly transported to local hospitals amidst what was described as a day of devastating gun violence by Christina H. Paxson, the university’s president.
Governor Dan McKee expressed sorrow over the incident, stating that the drill for such unthinkable events became a harsh reality when the gunman opened fire on innocent students.
Law enforcement officials shared a video clip of a person of interest described as wearing dark clothing and walking along Hope Street before turning northward. The individual’s right hand was seen in their jacket pocket as they continued along Waterman Street.
The detained person of interest, a man in his mid-20s from Wisconsin, was initially apprehended at a hotel in Coventry. He was reportedly found in possession of two guns at the time of his arrest.
Attorney General Peter Neronha stated that there was no basis to continue detaining the individual, emphasizing the need to regroup and redirect the investigation.
The community remains on edge as the search for the assailant continues, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to bring justice to the victims and their families.
Sources:
– ABC News’ Sasha Pezenik, Aaron Katersky, Luke Barr, Pierre Thomas, and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report.
