Rhode Island shooting leaves multiple injured near Providence mall, police say

Police in the Providence area responded to a mass shooting late Saturday night that left several people injured and one person in critical condition. Authorities say a suspect was taken into custody following an intensive investigation that included witness interviews and video review.

Scene, response and injuries

Emergency crews were called to the parking area outside a busy shopping center just after 11: 15 p. m. ET. First responders found multiple victims with gunshot wounds and provided emergency care on scene before transporting them to nearby hospitals. Local officials described the range of injuries as from non-life-threatening to critical.

Police immediately established a perimeter and urged nearby residents and businesses to shelter in place while they searched the area. Officers canvassed adjacent streets and reviewed surveillance footage from the mall and surrounding businesses to trace movements leading up to the shooting.

Arrest, investigation and community reaction

Within hours, investigators identified and arrested a suspect. Authorities said the arrest followed a combination of witness accounts and footage that narrowed the suspect’s location. The suspect is currently being held without bond, and investigators have said they are exploring motive and whether the shooting was targeted.

Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with additional information, video or photographs to come forward. Police declined to release the names of the victims while families are being notified.

Community leaders and elected officials expressed concern and sympathy, urging calm as investigators work to establish what led to the violence. Local business owners near the scene said they were shaken by the incident and worried about the implications for public safety during what is typically a busy weekend evening.

Next steps and public safety measures

Authorities said detectives will review cellphone data, continue to analyze video evidence and interview more witnesses. Prosecutors may file charges once the investigation reaches the necessary threshold. Meanwhile, patrols in the area have been stepped up, and police are coordinating with municipal leaders to boost visible law enforcement presence in the coming days.

Residents are being reminded of safety precautions in public spaces and encouraged to report suspicious behavior immediately. Counseling services and victim-support resources have been mobilized to assist those affected by the incident.

Police plan to provide a formal update at a scheduled briefing later in the week, when they expect to release additional details about the suspect, any potential accomplices and the timeline of events leading to the shooting.