New Footage Released in Brown University Shooting, Graphic Images Redacted
A day after releasing previously undisclosed audio recordings from the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine others, city officials have released new video footage from the day of the incident, with graphic images heavily redacted to avoid causing further distress.
The Providence Police Department released around 20 minutes of body camera footage showing a chaotic scene as officers scrambled to respond to the shooting on December 13. The footage, which has been heavily edited and partially blacked out, captures the confusion and uncertainty among responding officers who were unsure if the shooter was still in the building.
"This is Brown police. We have confirmed gunshots at 184 Hope Street," one officer says in an audio clip released along with the video. "We do have a victim but we do not know where they are." Just four minutes later, the campus police call back with an update: "We have a suspect description, wearing all black and a ski mask, unknown travel direction."
The city's decision to release this footage comes after News outlets across the US and other countries had been requesting body camera footage, audio clips, and other public records shortly after the shooting. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said that the city waited until after a memorial service was held on Brown's campus before releasing the material.
"We also know that the footage and audio we are required to release will likely be harmful and traumatizing for the victims, families, and neighbors who are still trying to heal and recover from this incident," Mayor Smiley stated. "It is incredibly important to me that the city of Providence remains fully transparent, accountable, and compliant with the state's Access to Public Records Act."
The footage has been released in an effort to satisfy public interest while also taking steps to protect those affected by the tragedy.
A day after releasing previously undisclosed audio recordings from the Brown University shooting that killed two students and injured nine others, city officials have released new video footage from the day of the incident, with graphic images heavily redacted to avoid causing further distress.
The Providence Police Department released around 20 minutes of body camera footage showing a chaotic scene as officers scrambled to respond to the shooting on December 13. The footage, which has been heavily edited and partially blacked out, captures the confusion and uncertainty among responding officers who were unsure if the shooter was still in the building.
"This is Brown police. We have confirmed gunshots at 184 Hope Street," one officer says in an audio clip released along with the video. "We do have a victim but we do not know where they are." Just four minutes later, the campus police call back with an update: "We have a suspect description, wearing all black and a ski mask, unknown travel direction."
The city's decision to release this footage comes after News outlets across the US and other countries had been requesting body camera footage, audio clips, and other public records shortly after the shooting. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said that the city waited until after a memorial service was held on Brown's campus before releasing the material.
"We also know that the footage and audio we are required to release will likely be harmful and traumatizing for the victims, families, and neighbors who are still trying to heal and recover from this incident," Mayor Smiley stated. "It is incredibly important to me that the city of Providence remains fully transparent, accountable, and compliant with the state's Access to Public Records Act."
The footage has been released in an effort to satisfy public interest while also taking steps to protect those affected by the tragedy.
The fact that there was a 4-minute delay between the initial report of gunshots and the suspect description is quite interesting 
. It's like they were waiting for confirmation or something 
. Did they not have enough info yet to give out the actual details? And what about the audio clip released yesterday, if it showed the shooter was still in the building, shouldn't that be more clear-cut by now? Maybe the audio didn't capture everything that happened, but still... 
The redaction of graphic images does seem like a good idea though 
. It's not cool to traumatize people even after all this time has passed 
.
like can't we just leave the victims & their fams alone for a sec?? but at the same time i get why they wanna release the footage... transparency is key, right? 
and yeah the whole memorial service thing makes sense too... gotta respect that.
. Redacting graphic images might help, but it's like they think we won't notice if a few bits are bleeped out... 
What's up with the delay, anyway? The sooner they spill the tea, the better I guess 
. it's great that they're trying to be transparent though, but can't we just get some real answers around what actually happened instead of this edited, watered-down crap?
its so intense but they redacted all the graphic parts to spare people's feelings 
the footage shows how chaotic the situation was when officers arrived on scene 
it's crazy how they were unsure if the shooter was still inside 
, but it's actually kinda cool how the department is being transparent about what happened 
. I mean, 20 mins of raw footage can be overwhelming, so good job redacting those graphic images 
. I'm glad they're prioritizing the victims' families and neighbors' healing process 
. The mayor's explanation makes sense too - it's not like we need all that trauma-inducing info 
. Can't wait for more updates on this case!
anyway, it's good that the city is trying to be transparent & comply with public records laws 
️ mayor smiley seems like a nice guy 
releasing the footage might help people heal & move forward 
. plus, they're saying it'll be "harmful" but thats kinda vague... where exactly? on the victims or their families? or just general public interest? 
#JusticeForBrown #TransparencyMatters #HealingIsKey
this is so crazy! I cant even imagine what it must've been like for the police officers responding to that situation, not knowing if the shooter was still in the building... all they can do is hope everyone gets out safely 
. The fact that the city waited until after a memorial service to release this footage shows how much care and consideration they're taking with the victims' families 
. it makes sense that mayor smiley would wanna protect the victims and their families from getting hurt again 
. anyone else feeling kinda frustrated or helpless watching this footage? 
. On one hand, releasing this footage is super important for transparency and accountability, especially with all the requests from media outlets and the public 
. Redacting graphic images is also a nice touch 
️. And why are there so many awkward pauses in the video? It feels like they're trying to convey chaos, but it just comes across as confusing