Two students were killed and nine others injured in a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, during final exams. The suspect, a person in their 20s, was taken into custody but later released without charge as the investigation took a different direction, according to police chief Col Oscar Perez.
The deceased have been identified as Ella Cook, a second-year student from Alabama and vice-president of the university's College Republicans chapter, and MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, an Uzbek national in his first year who aspired to be a neurosurgeon. Eight victims were hospitalised, with seven in critical but stable condition; one remains critical, while another was discharged.
The shooting occurred in the Barus and Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and physics department. University president Christina Paxson confirmed all remaining classes, exams, and projects were cancelled for the semester. A shelter-in-place order was lifted on Sunday morning.
Authorities have not confirmed if the weapon used was recovered, though a Glock handgun and revolver were found in a hotel room where the person of interest was apprehended. The FBI used cellphone data to locate the individual, who was arrested at a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island.
US President Donald Trump paid tribute to the victims, offering condolences to the families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Providence mayor Brett Smiley praised the resilience of the victims and the efforts of emergency medical staff.
