Providence officials released body camera footage and incident reports from the December shooting at Brown University that killed two students and triggered a five-day manhunt for the gunman.
Delayed Release Following Memorial Service
Mayor Brett Smiley announced that the city postponed releasing the documents until after a memorial service was held on Brown’s campus over the weekend. The 20-minute video shows Providence Police Lieutenant Patrick Pott’s response to the mass casualty incident. Smiley said he spoke with victims’ families who preferred the materials remain unreleased, fearing the footage would hinder their children’s recovery process.
The heavily redacted documents reveal the initial emergency response as officers swarmed the campus. Emergency radio recordings and incident reports accompany the body camera footage, providing a comprehensive view of law enforcement’s reaction to the shooting. The city worked with police and legal departments to balance transparency requirements under Rhode Island’s Access to Public Records Act while protecting those affected by the tragedy.
Limited Release Amid Ongoing Investigation
Smiley emphasized that Monday’s release represents the city’s complete response to public records requests, though additional body camera footage exists. Officials will not release any supplementary video materials beyond what was published. The December incident marked one of the most significant campus security breaches in Brown University’s recent history, prompting enhanced safety protocols across the Ivy League institution.
Community Impact and Moving Forward
The mayor acknowledged the difficult balance between public transparency and protecting survivors and families from additional trauma. Many students and parents expressed concerns that releasing the footage could impede healing efforts within the university community. The incident prompted discussions about campus security measures and emergency response protocols at educational institutions throughout New England. Providence police continue working with federal authorities as the investigation into the shooting proceeds.