Authorities have detailed the swift investigation that led them to a hotel room and a “person of interest” after a deadly shooting at Brown University. The probe, which relied on a public tip and advanced FBI technology, resulted in the recovery of two handguns, including one fitted with a laser sight.
How Did Police Track the Person of Interest?
The break in the case came from a tip received by Providence police. Using that information, the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team applied “geolocation capabilities” to help pinpoint a location. This critical support enabled a joint force—including the FBI’s Boston Safe Streets Task Force, U.S. Marshals, and local Coventry Police—to act. Just hours after the shooting, at around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday, they apprehended a man in his 20s at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, roughly 17 miles from the campus.
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What Weapons Were Found?
Upon detaining the individual, officers searched his hotel room. According to multiple federal law enforcement sources, they recovered two firearms: a revolver and a small Glock handgun. The Glock was notably equipped with a laser sight. Authorities have not yet confirmed if these specific weapons were used in the campus attack, and no charges have been formally announced. The man remains classified as a “person of interest,” not a formal suspect, as evidence collection continues.
What is the Status of the Investigation?
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez stated the investigation is “progressing extremely fast.” He confirmed a person of interest is in custody and police are not currently searching for anyone else, but stressed the careful nature of building a case. “It takes time, we have to make sure we have all the right evidence to prosecute,” Chief Perez told reporters. The FBI has set up a digital portal to collect video and images from the public and has victim specialists assisting those affected.
What Do We Know About the Shooting’s Impact?
The shooting occurred around 4:00 p.m. the previous day at the Ivy League university in Providence, triggering a shelter-in-place order that locked down students and staff overnight. The violence left two people dead and nine others injured. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley provided an update on the wounded, noting one victim has been discharged, one remains in critical condition, and seven are stable. The identities of the deceased have not been released as officials work to notify all families.
Immediate FAQs
Q: What guns were found?
A: Police recovered a revolver and a Glock handgun fitted with a laser sight from the suspect’s hotel room.
Q: How did police find the person of interest?
A: They acted on a public tip and used FBI geolocation technology to track him to a hotel in Coventry, RI.
Q: Has anyone been charged?
A: Not yet. The detained man is officially a “person of interest.” Charges depend on the ongoing evidence review.
Q: What is the condition of the injured?
A: Of the nine injured, one is discharged, one is in critical condition, and seven are in stable condition.
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