Providence, Rhode Island — A custodian at Brown University reported observing suspicious behavior by a man shortly before a tragic shooting that left two students dead and nine others injured during a classroom event. The custodian, Derek Lisi, expressed concern over the individual he noticed pacing through hallways and peering into classrooms in the days leading up to the incident on December 13.
For over 15 years, Lisi has worked at the university and recalled sharing his observations with campus security on two separate occasions. His warnings came as the university grappled with the aftermath of the shooting, which spurred both a campus-wide review and wider scrutiny regarding security measures in place during the event.
Within the context of improving safety, Brown’s President Christina Paxson announced that the vice president for public safety, Rodney Chatman, would be placed on administrative leave. This decision occurred amidst the ongoing review of how the situation was handled during and after the shooting. “A thorough After-Action Review is an essential part of recovery and response,” Paxson stated about the need for a comprehensive evaluation following such a devastating event.
In parallel with the university’s internal review, the U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation to determine if Brown violated the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act. This law mandates that institutions receiving federal student aid adhere to specific safety-related protocols. Early reports indicated that the campus might not have met adequate surveillance standards, which may have allowed the shooter to escape while raising concerns about timely emergency notifications.
Students and faculty expressed frustration over perceived delays in emergency alerts that followed the gunfire, highlighting critical gaps in the university’s safety systems. In response, President Paxson outlined plans for enhanced security measures, which will include the installation of security cameras in affected buildings, an increased police presence, and upgrades to alarm systems.
As the community begins to heal, most of the students hospitalized have been discharged, although two remain under care. Brown’s board of trustees has yet to publicly comment on the situation, drawing criticism, especially given its influential members, which include prominent business and academic leaders.
Authorities have indicated that lawsuits stemming from the incident may emerge as scrutiny mounts over the school’s handling of security. The shooter, identified as Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, reportedly took his own life after the attack. While his personal motives remain unclear, he has been described as an individual displaying increasingly erratic behavior.
Investigations into the events leading up to the tragedy will continue, as the university community prepares for the scrutiny of safety practices and policies in the wake of such an unprecedented crisis.