The search for the gunman responsible for a deadly shooting at Brown University entered its fourth tense day on Tuesday, with the FBI announcing a substantial reward for information. The incident, which unfolded during exam-period activities, has left two students dead and nine others wounded.
Trump Comments on Investigation Challenges
On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was questioned about the ongoing investigation's difficulties. He acknowledged the inherent challenges in such cases but defended the FBI's response time. "It's always difficult. So far, we have done a very good job of doing it," Trump stated. He shifted some focus to the university's security apparatus, noting, "You will have to ask the school a little bit more about that because it was a school problem. They have their own guard, their own police, everything. We (the FBI) came in after the fact."
Timeline of the Shooting and Investigation
The tragic event occurred on December 13 around 4 pm inside a classroom at the Barus & Holley Engineering and Physics Building in Providence, Rhode Island.
In the immediate aftermath, Trump initially announced the shooter was in custody but quickly corrected himself, confirming the manhunt was active. Authorities released surveillance footage showing the shooter walking, though his face was not visible.
The investigation saw a significant development early on December 14, when a person of interest was detained from a hotel. However, by late that night, officials announced the individual would be released due to a lack of solid evidence linking him to the crime, though his name had already been leaked to the public.
On December 15, the search continued with the release of new footage, which again failed to clearly show the shooter's face. The breakthrough came on December 16, when the FBI escalated efforts by offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the man, whom they described as 'armed and dangerous'.
Community on Edge as Search Intensifies
The extended manhunt has kept the Brown University campus and the wider Providence community on high alert. The FBI's substantial reward indicates the seriousness of the search and the urgency to apprehend the suspect. The release of multiple surveillance videos, despite their limitations, underscores the authorities' commitment to gathering any possible lead from the public. The case remains a top priority for federal and local law enforcement as they work to bring the perpetrator to justice and provide closure to a grieving academic community.
