A chilling scene unfolded at Brown University as authorities launched a massive search for a gunman following a devastating shooting. Initial reports indicate at least two fatalities and nine injuries, plunging the prestigious Rhode Island campus into lockdown and fear.
The immediate aftermath is a complex puzzle, according to retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jason Pack, who served 21 years with the bureau. He stresses that initial information in such chaotic events is often fragmented, unreliable, and subject to rapid change, demanding meticulous verification before any action is taken or details are released.
Beyond the hunt for the suspect – last seen fleeing the Barus & Holley engineering building around 4 p.m. and described as wearing black – officers face the grueling task of systematically clearing buildings under lockdown. This isn’t a swift operation; it’s a painstakingly slow, deliberate, and inherently dangerous undertaking.
Every corner of the campus represents a potential hazard. Each hallway, stairwell, classroom, and office must be treated as a live threat until thoroughly searched. The possibility of frightened, injured, or unable-to-communicate individuals hiding within adds another layer of complexity to the search.
Pack emphasized the critical need for discipline and restraint during this process, explaining that speed must be carefully balanced against the risk of overlooking vital clues or endangering lives. He anticipates the search could extend well into Sunday as investigators meticulously comb the area.
The evolving nature of the information explains why timelines may shift and updates may change throughout the night. Law enforcement is navigating a precarious balance: acting swiftly to protect potential victims while ensuring no detail is missed in the pursuit of safety.
The ultimate goal, Pack stated, is deceptively simple yet incredibly challenging: to guarantee every space is secure, every person is accounted for, and the threat is completely neutralized before any restrictions are lifted. It’s a commitment to absolute certainty in the face of unimaginable stress and uncertainty.
Multiple agencies, including local police, the FBI, and the ATF, are collaborating in the investigation, working tirelessly to bring the suspect to justice and restore a sense of security to the Brown University community.
