PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The search for a shooter who opened fire on a crowded Brown University campus during a particularly hectic exam season has sparked urgent questions regarding the institution's security measures and the pace of the investigation. This past Saturday, a gunman fired on a group of students in a lecture hall, resulting in the deaths of two and injuries to nine others.
In the immediate hours following the tragedy, law enforcement's brief detention of a person of interest ended without charges, leaving the investigation in stasis with limited security footage to aid efforts. With students still grappling with the consequences of the attack, the absence of comprehensive surveillance highlights broader security concerns at the university.
The fact that we’re in such a surveillance state but that wasn’t used correctly at all is just so deeply frustrating,” remarked Li Ding, a student from the Rhode Island School of Design, who expressed shared sentiments with a growing number of students pushing for better campus safety protocols.
In response, hundreds have come together to sign a petition advocating for increased security measures across campus buildings, reflecting a sentiment that if the administration cannot ensure safety, students must take it upon themselves.
Kristy dosReis, chief public information officer with the Providence Police, assured that the investigation remained active despite initial setbacks, emphasizing that law enforcement was probing all potential leads as video footage portraying the assailant was released to the public.
Ted Docks, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston field office, described the investigation as painstaking work and announced a $50,000 reward for pertinent information aiding authorities in apprehending the shooter.
Advocates have noted that although Brown University is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, critical areas such as the Barus and Holley engineering building lacked sufficient coverage during the attack. This gap has compelled investigators to seek external assistance from local businesses and residents for any CCTV footage that may provide further clues.
Students have raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of the university’s emergency alert system, which transitioned to a web-based system lacking proper notification for many residents. As Brown navigates this crisis, it becomes increasingly clear that a reassessment of security resources and policies is necessary to cultivate a safer learning environment.
In the immediate hours following the tragedy, law enforcement's brief detention of a person of interest ended without charges, leaving the investigation in stasis with limited security footage to aid efforts. With students still grappling with the consequences of the attack, the absence of comprehensive surveillance highlights broader security concerns at the university.
The fact that we’re in such a surveillance state but that wasn’t used correctly at all is just so deeply frustrating,” remarked Li Ding, a student from the Rhode Island School of Design, who expressed shared sentiments with a growing number of students pushing for better campus safety protocols.
In response, hundreds have come together to sign a petition advocating for increased security measures across campus buildings, reflecting a sentiment that if the administration cannot ensure safety, students must take it upon themselves.
Kristy dosReis, chief public information officer with the Providence Police, assured that the investigation remained active despite initial setbacks, emphasizing that law enforcement was probing all potential leads as video footage portraying the assailant was released to the public.
Ted Docks, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston field office, described the investigation as painstaking work and announced a $50,000 reward for pertinent information aiding authorities in apprehending the shooter.
Advocates have noted that although Brown University is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, critical areas such as the Barus and Holley engineering building lacked sufficient coverage during the attack. This gap has compelled investigators to seek external assistance from local businesses and residents for any CCTV footage that may provide further clues.
Students have raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of the university’s emergency alert system, which transitioned to a web-based system lacking proper notification for many residents. As Brown navigates this crisis, it becomes increasingly clear that a reassessment of security resources and policies is necessary to cultivate a safer learning environment.
