Brown University Shooting: Manhunt Underway, Former Boston Police Commissioner Calls Response “All-Hands-On-Deck”
A massive manhunt is underway in Providence, Rhode Island, following a deadly shooting at Brown University on Saturday that left at least two people dead and eight hospitalized. Authorities have yet to apprehend a suspect, prompting an extensive regional law enforcement response.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced the tragic toll during a news conference Saturday, detailing the immediate aftermath of the shooting on the university campus. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are currently assisting local police departments in the search.
Drawing Parallels to the Boston Marathon Bombing
Former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, who led the city’s response during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and subsequent manhunt, described the current situation as an “all-hands-on-deck” scenario. Davis, now a security analyst, emphasized the critical need for coordinated leadership and interagency cooperation.
“I’m just talking about the way that I did business, but it really is crucial that you have a good team at the top of that pyramid to make decisions,” Davis said. He recalled the outpouring of support during the Boston crisis, with agencies like the FBI and state police offering resources without hesitation. “Everybody came to the scene and said ‘How can I help? What do you need?’ And that’s exactly the kind of attitude that you have to have in a situation like this. It’s one fight, everybody’s in on it, and nobody is standing up trying to take credit.”
The 2013 Boston Marathon bombing resulted in three fatalities at the finish line, followed by the death of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier during the manhunt for the suspects. A year later, Boston Police Officer Dennis Simmonds succumbed to injuries sustained during a confrontation with the bombers. Davis’s experience underscores the long-term impact and complex challenges inherent in such investigations.
Challenges in the Current Search
Davis highlighted the difficult conditions facing law enforcement on Saturday night, noting the frigid December temperatures. “Very difficult, tense situation. Very dangerous for the officers, and I’ll say very dangerous for the community members who live in that area,” he stated. He pointed out that officers assigned to the perimeter were not equipped for prolonged exposure to the cold, adding to the logistical hurdles.
Investigators are likely utilizing a range of tactics to locate the suspect, including analyzing data from cellphone towers and reviewing surveillance cameras.
Prioritizing Public Safety and Mental Wellbeing
Brown University was placed on lockdown, and residents were advised to remain indoors. Davis stressed the importance of adhering to official guidance during times of uncertainty. “People are afraid. The best thing they can do is to follow the advice of the public officials,” he said. “If you’re sheltering in a dormitory somewhere, get on the phone with a trusted relative or someone who can talk you through the situation.”
He acknowledged the psychological toll of such events, advising individuals to seek support while remaining secure. “It’s extremely unsettling. But as long as you’re safe behind a locked door and you don’t do anything to bring attention to yourself, you just want to try to wait it out. It’s helpful to have somebody counseling you through a situation like that.”
