A “person of interest” detained in connection with a deadly shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island will be released, local officials have announced, citing a lack of evidence.
Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Perez stated there was not enough evidence to prosecute the individual. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha added that the evidence now “points in a different direction.”
The investigation remains active, with authorities searching for additional video evidence to help track down the suspect. The shooting on Saturday left two people dead and nine others injured.
During a joint news conference on Sunday, Colonel Perez indicated that investigators do not believe the detained person matches the suspect seen in CCTV footage released on the day of the attack.
The footage shows an individual in all-black clothing walking away from the scene. The BBC has chosen to no longer name the individual who is being released.
The initial detention occurred early Sunday morning at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the action was based on a lead from Providence Police.
At the time, Colonel Perez had confirmed that law enforcement was not looking for any other suspects and was working with prosecutors to gather evidence.
By James Kisoo
