Rhode Island Catholic bishop offers prayers in wake of shooting at Brown University

Bishop Bruce A. Lewandowski of Providence offered prayers for “all affected by this tragedy” in the wake of a 13 December shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others injured.

Officials said 14 December that a person of interest in connection with the shooting was in police custody.

The shooting, which took place during the university’s final exams, happened just after 4pm ET on 13 December at the Barus and Holley building, which houses the university’s School of Engineering and its Physics Department, WCVB-TV reported.

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“As are many, I am deeply saddened and troubled by the senseless shooting today at Brown University in Providence,” Bishop Lewandowski said in a statement. “Let us unite in prayer for those who lost their lives, for the injured, for the Brown University community and all affected by this tragedy.”

“May God continue to guide our elected officials, law enforcement, and first responders as they work to keep everyone safe,” he added. “The Diocese of Providence offers its resources, clergy and personnel, and charitable assistance wherever needed. May God bless us all and may Our Lady of Providence keep us in her care.”

The Providence Journal reported that several area businesses and events in Providence were closed or cancelled 14 December in an abundance of caution.

Rep. Gabe Amo, D-R.I., told ABC News 14 December the community “has been really hurt in a way that no one expects and it does not have to be this way.”

“Too many of our communities have to deal with these sorts of tragedies,” he said.

Brown University announced it has canceled all remaining undergraduate, graduate and medical classes and exams for the semester following the shooting.