Was the Brown University Shooter Targeting Professor Rachel Friedberg?

A deadly shooting at Brown University has left two students dead and nine injured. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Providence, Rhode Island. The attack happened inside an academic building during final exam activities.

Authorities have detained a person of interest but have not confirmed a motive. Attention has turned to Professor Rachel Friedberg, whose economics class was linked to the scene. University officials confirm all casualties were students, not faculty.

Investigators Probe Classroom Attack Details

The shooting erupted in the Barus and Holley engineering building. According to reports from the BBC, the gunman entered a classroom around 4:00 PM local time. The room was hosting a review session for a Principles of Economics course.

The session was being led by a teaching assistant, not Professor Friedberg. She described the gunman entering, shouting something, and opening fire. Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed the victims’ status as students.

Police are investigating all angles but urge against speculation. They have not identified any of the victims publicly yet. The campus community remains in a state of shock and mourning.

Professor Friedberg’s Role and University Response

Rachel Friedberg is a respected Teaching Professor of Economics. She has been with Brown University for over three decades. Her research focuses on immigration economics and labor markets.

There is no indication from officials that she was an intended target. The classroom was chosen because it held her course’s review session. The investigation is focused on the detained individual’s motives and connections.

The broader impact is a profound loss for the student community. The university has provided counseling and support services. Security protocols are under review as the police investigation continues.

The tragic Brown University shooting has raised difficult questions about campus safety. While Professor Rachel Friedberg was linked to the scene, evidence suggests students were the sole targets. The community now focuses on healing as the legal process unfolds.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Where did the Brown University shooting happen?

The shooting occurred inside the Barus and Holley engineering building. It happened during final exam activities on a Saturday afternoon. The specific location was a classroom hosting an economics review session.

Q2: How many people were hurt in the incident?

The attack resulted in two student fatalities. Nine other students were injured in the shooting. University President Christina Paxson confirmed all casualties were students.

Q3: Has a suspect been arrested?

Yes, authorities have detained a person of interest. Police have not released the individual’s full identity publicly. The investigation is ongoing and in its early stages.

Q4: What is Professor Friedberg known for?

Rachel Friedberg is a longtime economics professor at Brown. She specializes in the economics of immigration and labor markets. She has received teaching awards during her more than 30-year career.

Q5: What was happening in the classroom during the shooting?

A review session for a Principles of Economics course was underway. The session was being conducted by a teaching assistant. Professor Friedberg was not leading the session at the time.