According to Providence Deputy Police Chief Timothy O'Hara, the shooter's identity has not yet been established. Surveillance footage shows that the suspect was dressed in dark clothing with a hood and likely wearing a mask. After committing the crime, he fled the scene. Shell casings were found on campus, but other details of the investigation have not yet been disclosed.
Brown University President Christina Paxson reported that nearly all of the victims are students. Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee stated that the perpetrator will be held accountable for their actions. According to Reuters, the search for the suspect has been complicated by the large crowds in Providence, where concerts and fairs were taking place in anticipation of the holidays.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the incident as "horrific." In his statement, he expressed condolences to the victims and their families, confirming that FBI personnel are on the scene.
Zoe Weissman, a sophomore, shared that this is the second school shooting she has experienced. Previously, she witnessed the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in 2018, where 17 people were killed.
"I am very angry that this is happening to me again. I am in shock. Psychologically, I feel like I am 12 years old again. Everything feels the same as it did in 2018," Weissman shared in an interview with MS NOW.
