Brown University Places Police Chief on Leave Following Fatal Shooting
Brown University announced on Tuesday that its police chief has been placed on administrative leave, more than a week after a mass shooting on campus that left two people dead and nine others injured. The decision was communicated by the university’s senior administration in a brief statement that emphasized the need for a thorough review of the incident and the department’s response.
The shooting occurred on a weekday afternoon when an unidentified assailant opened fire in a residential hall, prompting an emergency lockdown and a rapid police response. Campus security and local law‑enforcement agencies secured the scene, provided medical assistance to the wounded, and launched an ongoing investigation to determine the motive and identify any procedural gaps.
University officials said the leave of the police chief is a standard procedural step taken while an internal review is conducted, and it does not imply any presumption of wrongdoing. “The university is committed to a transparent assessment of all aspects of the response, and placing the chief on leave allows for an unbiased evaluation,” the statement read. Officials also indicated that an external consultant with experience in campus safety will assist in the review.
Experts in higher‑education security note that such administrative actions are common in the aftermath of critical incidents, aiming to restore confidence among students, staff, and the broader community. They suggest that the review will likely examine training protocols, communication channels during emergencies, and coordination between campus police and municipal authorities.
Students and faculty have expressed a mixture of grief and concern, calling for clearer safety measures and more frequent drills. Student representatives have requested a town‑hall meeting with university leadership to discuss immediate steps for improving campus security and providing support services to those affected.
Looking ahead, the university said it will release the findings of the review once completed and will consider any recommended changes to policies or leadership. In the meantime, campus security remains heightened, and counseling resources have been expanded to assist the university community as it copes with the aftermath of the tragedy.
