The anxiety level among Rhode Islanders "has risen" since a person of interest was released from custody amid a manhunt for an assailant who fatally shot two Brown University students on Saturday, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said."We understand that there's a high degree of anxiety and after this individual was released last night, I understand that anxiety level has risen in our community," Smiley told ABC News on Monday."But it's no different than a day ago, which is that we've received -- continue to receive zero credible threats to our community brown or the broader community."Smiley's comments came as federal and local law enforcement officials were continuing their investigation early on Monday, two days after the mass shooting in an academic building in Providence on Saturday.A person of interest in the case, who had been taken into custody early on Sunday, was released later in the day, after authorities said that there was no basis to continue detaining them."Tonight, we announced that the person of interest is being released.
The investigation has been ongoing and remains fully active between all agencies," the Providence Police Department said in a statement early on Monday."Since the first call to 911, we have not received any specific threats to our community."People place flowers at the Van Wickle Gates, following a shooting at Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, Dec.
14, 2025.Kylie Cooper/ReutersPerson of interest in Brown University shooting being released without charges: MayorSmiley wouldn’t on Monday definitely say whether the person of interest who was released was cleared of all connection to the case.He also declined to say whether the investigation was pointing toward a student or someone from off-campus."We cannot comment on that and were exploring all possible leads," he said.Two people were killed and nine were injured in the shooting, according to officials.
The injured victims were transported to local hospitals amid a d...