A person of interest who was detained in connection with a deadly shooting at Brown University in the US will be released shortly, local officials have said.
Providence Police Chief Col Oscar Perez stated there was not enough evidence to prosecute the detained individual, with Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha indicating that the evidence now points in a different direction.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are searching for additional video evidence that could help them track down the actual suspect, the local mayor confirmed.
Tragically, two individuals were killed, and nine others sustained injuries when a gunman opened fire in a classroom during the incident at the Ivy League university in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday.
During a joint news conference, Col Perez noted that investigators believe the person detained is not the individual identified in CCTV footage of the suspect released on the day of the attack. The BBC has chosen not to disclose the name of the individual who has been released.
In the surveillance footage, the suspect is seen walking away from the scene wearing black clothing.
The FBI reported that a person of interest was detained at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, early Sunday morning following a lead from the Providence Police.
Col Perez confirmed that officers were not searching for anyone else and were working collaboratively with prosecutors to gather evidence.
At an earlier press briefing, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley mentioned that seven of the injured victims remain stable, one in critical condition, while another individual has been discharged.
The shooting occurred around 4:00 PM local time at the Holley engineering building on Brown's campus, according to officials.
While the identities of those killed and most of the injured have not been disclosed, Brown University President Christina Paxson informed reporters that all of them were students.
Reports suggest that one of the injured, Kendall Turner, is an alum of Durham Academy, a private school in North Carolina. The school expressed support for Turner and her family during this difficult time.
In a statement, President Paxson indicated that certain areas of the campus are still restricted as police continue their investigations. She acknowledged the incredible community support, noting that around 2,000 students were relocated to safe locations overnight.
Prof Paxson indicated that the families of the deceased are receiving support, stating that there are not enough words of comfort for those who have lost a child.
On Friday, Smiley announced that the order for residents to shelter was lifted.
The mayor expressed his admiration for the courage, hope, and gratitude shown by the victims' families.
A vigil is scheduled for later to honor the victims and support the grieving community.
President Donald Trump has also extended his thoughts for the recovery of the injured and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
This incident adds to the tragic tally of mass shootings in the US, which has reached 389 for the current year, as defined by the Gun Violence Archive.
