On December 13, 2023, a tragic shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. In the days following the incident, an active Reddit community played a crucial role in identifying the suspected shooter, ultimately leading to his discovery dead in a storage locker in Salem, New Hampshire.
A lifelong Rhode Island resident and recent college graduate, who requested to be identified only as Joe, logged onto the Providence subreddit to share an FBI poster containing the first images of the suspect. Joe explained, “It just seemed like a good idea to me,” noting the subreddit’s active engagement. Little did he know that his simple act would set off a chain of events that would help law enforcement locate the suspect.
After Joe posted the FBI poster, another Reddit user, known as John, gained attention for his comment suggesting that the police investigate a grey Nissan with Florida plates, which he believed was being driven by the shooter. Authorities later confirmed that John provided pivotal information that led to the suspect’s identification. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha praised John’s contribution, stating he “blew this case wide open.”
John subsequently spoke with law enforcement, detailing his encounter with the suspect hours before the shooting. His first-hand account provided critical insights that aided the investigation. Expressing surprise at the depth of detail shared, Joe remarked, “I was not expecting to see that much detail” in a post on the subreddit.
The Providence subreddit, created in 2010, has become a digital town square for the city’s approximately 190,000 residents. With 225,000 weekly visitors as of December 16, the platform serves as a space for discussing local issues, sharing recommendations, and now, addressing a crisis. During the aftermath of the shooting, many users turned to Reddit for information and support as official updates trickled in.
In the wake of the shooting, the subreddit became a hub for community engagement. Users shared active shooter alerts and discussed the emotional impact of the situation. One user noted the “forced sense of normalcy” in the city, while another expressed concern over the desensitization surrounding gun violence in America.
Casey Fiesler, an associate professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, observed that platforms like Reddit have become essential for community interaction during crises, especially in light of changes to other social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Fiesler highlighted that Reddit’s rise correlates with a decline in local news coverage and an increase in paywalls on credible news sites.
As the investigation unfolded, users expressed solidarity and concern for one another. Comments ranged from heartfelt messages to critiques of the police response. One user, kenchybenchy, shared their struggle with coping, stating, “My heart is heavy, I can’t work and act like everything is okay today.”
Following news of John’s contribution, Reddit users celebrated his pivotal role in the investigation. Many expressed gratitude, with one user declaring, “You’re a hero.”
The FBI announced a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the identification of the shooter. Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks indicated that John may be entitled to this reward, with Providence Mayor Brett Smiley formally requesting that it be directed to him.
While the success of crowdsourced sleuthing in this instance is notable, Fiesler cautioned that similar efforts have not always yielded positive results. She referenced past incidents where Reddit users incorrectly identified suspects, highlighting the need for careful management of information shared on social media.
As the community continues to process the shooting and its aftermath, both Joe and John’s actions illustrate how online platforms can facilitate crucial connections between residents and law enforcement during moments of crisis. Joe concluded with a message for John: “Good job.”
