Daijiworld Media Network - Providence

Providence, Dec 15: A person detained in connection with the shooting that killed two students and injured nine others at Brown University in the United States will be released, authorities said on Sunday, even as the manhunt for the suspect has resumed.

The shooting took place on Saturday at the Ivy League university in Providence, Rhode Island, inside a building where examinations were underway. The incident triggered a campus-wide lockdown and led to an hours-long search operation by law enforcement agencies.

US authorities had earlier detained a person of interest in the case, raising hopes of a breakthrough in the investigation. However, officials later clarified that there was no basis to continue holding him.

“Shortly, we will be releasing the person of interest who had been detained earlier today,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said on Sunday.

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha told reporters that the detained individual was no longer considered a person of interest. “I think it’s fair to say there’s no basis to consider him a person of interest. That’s why he’s being released,” he said.
Brown University President Christina Paxson, in a letter to the university community, confirmed that all 11 victims of the shooting were students.

Officials said the investigation is continuing and efforts are underway to locate the shooter. However, they declined to share specific details about the progress of the probe.

“Obviously we have a murderer out there, frankly, and so we’re not going to give away the game plan,” Neronha said.

Police have released a brief 10-second video clip showing the suspected shooter from behind, walking briskly down a deserted street shortly after opening fire inside a first-floor classroom. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in the investigation.