PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Providence police on Wednesday issued a public request for assistance in the ongoing investigation into a deadly shooting at Brown University, seeking to identify an individual believed to have been “in proximity” to the person of interest in the case. Authorities released photos of the individual and urged anyone with information to contact the police tip line at 401-272-3121.
In a post on X, investigators emphasized the importance of public cooperation in identifying and speaking with the individual, noting that the person may hold information crucial to advancing the investigation. The shooting has drawn widespread concern, prompting both law enforcement and university officials to address safety measures on campus.
A spokesperson for Brown University, Brian Clark, provided context on campus accessibility, noting that most spaces at the university resemble open city environments rather than secured corporate or institutional buildings. “We would hope people understand that college campuses are more like cities than corporate headquarters or a school in a self-contained building with one or a few points of entry,” Clark said. While many buildings are accessible during the day, entering these spaces after hours requires a university ID card.
Clark detailed that this access policy applies broadly, including to academic buildings, the campus center, athletics facilities, and numerous administrative offices. The university’s approach is consistent with practices at many campuses nationwide, balancing open access with necessary security protocols after hours.
In response to the shooting, Brown University has significantly increased security measures on campus. Clark said the university plans to conduct a “large-scale systematic security review of the entire campus” to identify areas for improvement. “We know we live in a different time,” he added, underscoring the heightened awareness of campus safety in today’s environment.
Authorities have not released further details about the shooting itself, including the identity of the victim or the person of interest. However, the public is being urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist the investigation. Police continue to work closely with university officials to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff while seeking leads that could bring clarity and justice in this tragic incident.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are appealing to anyone who may have been on or near campus at the time of the incident, or who may recognize the individual in the released photos, to come forward immediately.
