A mother’s frantic wait for news ended in relief after a fatal shooting near Brown University, highlighting how fast fear spreads on a college campus and how parents depend on real-time updates to know their children are safe. Dr. Shamsah Amersi, whose son, Jaden Andelmo, is a student at Brown in Providence, described learning of the incident, the rush to reach him, and the moment she confirmed he was unharmed.
The episode reignited questions about how quickly universities notify students and families, what support follows a crisis, and how communities pick up the pieces. While the police investigation continues, parents like Amersi are asking for clarity and consistency in alerts, counseling access, and safety planning.
A Parent’s Night of Uncertainty
Amersi said she first heard about the shooting through a flurry of messages as word spread among families and friends. She tried her son directly, then checked official channels for confirmation of what had happened. The wait, she indicated, felt long even though it may have been minutes.
Her account tracks with how most families learn of emergencies today: texts, social media, and group chats move faster than formal notices. For parents, that speed can amplify confusion, especially before details are confirmed. Amersi emphasized the relief that swept over her once she connected with Jaden and confirmed he was safe, even as the reality of a life lost settled in.
How Campus Alerts Work—and Where Gaps Appear
Universities are required to issue timely warnings and emergency notifications under federal rules commonly known as the Clery Act. These messages go out by text, email, and app-based systems, depending on the school. They are supposed to be fast, factual, and focused on immediate safety.
In practice, families sometimes hear first from peers. That creates a gap between rumor and official guidance. Safety experts recommend that universities:
- Send a brief initial alert quickly, with a clear location and simple instructions.
- Follow with short updates at set intervals, even if details are limited.
- Provide a single page for verified information, updated as new facts emerge.
Parents rely on those alerts to make decisions about contacting their students, avoiding overloaded call lines, and reducing panic. The better the cadence, the calmer the response.
Community Impact and Student Well-Being
Students who were not physically injured may still feel the effects of a fatal incident. Sleep can suffer. Attendance dips. Concentration frays. Counselors say that clear communication, flexible academic support, and visible police presence can help restore a sense of control.
Amersi’s account reflects that reality. Relief for her son coexisted with grief for the victim and concern for classmates. Parents often walk a narrow line—checking in without heightening anxiety. Universities, in turn, can help by offering practical tools: drop-in counseling hours, faculty guidance on make-up work, and spaces where students can gather safely.
Balancing Transparency and Accuracy
Officials must balance speed with accuracy. Early details can change as investigators confirm facts. Experts advise that institutions label preliminary updates clearly and avoid speculation. Doing so builds trust and prevents misinformation from spreading.
For families, a simple framework helps during the first hours after an alert:
- Confirm your student’s location and safety first.
- Rely on official channels for updates.
- Limit re-sharing unverified posts.
Parents like Amersi want quick signals that the school has a handle on the situation and a plan to support students afterward. Consistency matters as much as speed.
What to Watch in the Days Ahead
As investigators work, attention shifts to follow-through. Communities look for transparent updates, campus safety reviews, and a clear path for academic and mental health support. Families expect schools to coordinate with local police and publish any changes to procedures—whether that’s lighting, patrol patterns, or building access.
Amersi’s experience—shock, rapid outreach, relief, and lingering concern—mirrors a familiar pattern in campus crises. Her voice adds urgency to calls for clear alerts, timely updates, and sustained care for students who process trauma at different speeds.
The core task now is simple but not easy: keep students informed, help them heal, and ensure the next alert, if one comes, is faster, clearer, and paired with support that meets the moment.
