A person of interest has been taken into custody following a shooting incident during final exams at Brown University, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others.

The violent attack on Saturday afternoon triggered widespread chaos on the Ivy League campus and in the surrounding Providence neighborhoods. Law enforcement authorities conducted a massive search for the shooter, prompting students and staff to take shelter.

After hours of lockdown that extended into the night, the restrictions were lifted early Sunday, but no motive for the shooting has been disclosed yet.

The assailant reportedly unleashed gunfire inside a classroom in the university’s engineering building, discharging over 40 rounds from a 9 mm handgun. Although a firearm has not been recovered as of Sunday morning, two loaded 30-round magazines were found.

All remaining academic activities for the semester at Brown University have been canceled, as announced by Provost Francis J Doyle III, emphasizing the need to offer care and support to the affected community members.

Police have apprehended a suspected shooter in connection with the tragic incident that claimed the lives of two students. An individual resembling the suspect, dressed in all black, was observed in footage near the university building. However, it remains uncertain if this person is the one in custody.

The victims of the shooting were identified as students by President Christina Paxson, who described the event as an incredibly tragic day. Efforts are ongoing to evacuate students from campus buildings while the shooter is still at large.

Students at Brown University’s Rockefeller library, close to the shooting site, recounted the harrowing experience of being evacuated after receiving alerts about an active gunman. They followed police instructions to shelter until safely escorted out of the premises.

Authorities are urging the public to provide any photo or video evidence related to the shooting through the FBI’s tip site. A dedicated phone line has been set up by Providence police for tip-offs from eyewitnesses.

The university campus remains on high alert, with residents urged to shelter in place until law enforcement officers escort them to secure locations. The ongoing investigation aims to ascertain how the shooter gained access to the classrooms.

Rhode Island Hospital reported that out of the eight individuals hospitalized post-attack, six are in critical but stable condition, one is in critical condition, and the others are stable.

US President Donald Trump expressed condolences for the victims and called for prayers while acknowledging the tragedy. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to locate the gunman still at large, as the community grapples with the aftermath of the violent incident.