I never imagined I’d have to decide whether it was safer to book it home across the city or find somewhere to hide.
On Saturday, December 13, when the tragedy at Brown University happened, I was out on a bike ride, barely 2,000 feet from where the suspect was last seen. I was on Waterman Street, looping around the rotary by Waterman Grille. On my way back, I overheard someone on the bike path near Gano Park say into their phone, “Yeah, six people were just shot at the library.”
Moments later, I watched five or six ambulances speed by. It was surreal. I looked around, and through someone’s window I caught a glimpse of their TV. I saw on the screen, in big letters, “Suspect Wanted.” That’s when I stopped. Using my phone, I opened the Providence Reddit and started piecing together what had just happened from community reports. I had received no emergency alerts on my phone, which is mind-boggling in its own right.
Looking back at my Google Maps timeline and cycling app data, I realized this was around 4:11 to 4:23 p.m. – minutes from when the first 911 calls came in, and right near where the suspect was last seen. It’s haunting to think how close I was.
The ride home to the West End was tense. I hated the feeling of looking at everyone with suspicion, that creeping sense of distrust. Downtown was packed, with people pre-gaming for a sold-out Goose concert at the Amica Mutual Pavilion (a venue with a capacity for 14,000), a show at PPAC, and other Saturday night plans. Most people seemed unaware of what had just happened blocks away. Meanwhile, I was in shock, trying to process it all and just get home safely.
It’s been a lot to take in. I went to the vigil on Sunday in Lippitt Park, and the sense of community there was deeply healing. Providence is such a beautiful city, full of love, care, culture, and resilience. Even in tragedy, that spirit shines through.
Brandon Pearse is an avid urbanist with a deep love for Providence and all its hidden corners. When he’s not biking around the city or uncovering new nooks and crannies, he’s putting his technical skills to work as an IT System Administrator. He’s often found enjoying local concerts, parks, and community spaces. You might spot him at Dexter Park with his loyal black lab or on the bus exploring new ways to appreciate Providence.
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