During a news conference on Sunday night, Providence Police announced they had detained a person of interest related to the fatal shooting at Brown University. However, officials confirmed that the individual would soon be released.

“We will be releasing the person of interest who was detained earlier today,” stated Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said during the news conference, “Yeah, look, I think it’s fair to say that, ah, there is no basis to consider him a person of interest. So that’s why he’s being released.” 

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley speaks during a press conference after a shooting on the campus of Brown University that left two dead and at least eight injured on Dec. 13, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island. (Libby O’Neill/Getty Images)

The Providence Police noted in a post on X, “Tonight, we announced that the person of interest is being released. The investigation has been ongoing and remains fully active between all agencies. Since the first call to 911, we have not received any specific threats to our community.”

Two people were killed and nine were injured in the shooting Saturday at the educational institution.

Police officers remain on the scene on Brown University’s campus Dec. 13, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island. (Libby O’Neill/Getty Images)

“As Providence police continue to lead this investigation, they have informed Brown that they are continuing their search efforts, which includes ongoing coordination with multiple agencies,” the university stated. “There continues to be a heightened amount of local, state and federal police activity in the area as law enforcement continues to investigate and patrol with increased vigilance. The Department of Public Safety has more than doubled its staffing.”

A Providence Police officer takes down crime scene tape across the street from Barus & Holley School at Brown University, the day after two people were killed and nine people were injured by a gunman on Dec. 14, 2025. (Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

“We continue to make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the campus. We are also advising every member of the Brown community to be vigilant in their own activities on campus,” the school added.