Brown Knew of Hernandez Shooting Threat a Week Ago, Never Notified Providence Police

Brown Knew of Hernandez Shooting Threat a Week Ago, Never Notified Providence Police

GoLocal has confirmed that Brown University officials were warned about a threat that DJ Hernandez — the brother of convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez — was planning to shoot people on the Brown University campus.

Brown officials were notified on Tuesday, July 18, but never notified Providence Police officials. Brown did warn some of the University's athletic department staff about the threat.

DJ Hernandez was arrested by the Bristol, Connecticut Police Department.

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He allegedly went to both the University of Connecticut and Brown University earlier this month to “map the schools out” for the presumed purpose of carrying out mass shootings, according to court documents obtained by the Hartford Courant.

Hernandez went on to say reportedly that “not all shootings are bad I’m realizing,” according to Bristol police reports. “Some are necessary for change to happen.”

The Courant reports, "Those close to Hernandez expressed concern to police that he has been 'displaying very erratic behavior lately' and is 'extremely sick' with a deteriorating mental health situation, Bristol police wrote in their report. A woman who was dating the former UConn football player told police the two went to a beach on July 3 and that he broke down after someone recognized him as the brother of Aaron Hernandez, according to the police report. Since then, police wrote, Hernandez has been rambling about people owing him money and reportedly wrote in multiple text messages concerning statements like 'We’re taking lives if (expletive) isn’t paid up' and 'It’s been years in planning just taking notes, names and locations.'"

 

 

Brown University refused to respond to questions about the lack of notification to the Providence Police.

Brian Clark wrote in an email to GoLocal on Tuesday, "Brown Police implemented protective measures immediately and remained in contact with police in Connecticut, who arrested the suspect shortly thereafter. Despite reports of an alleged visit to Providence, our investigation to date indicates that Hernandez has not been on Brown’s campus in recent weeks. Given the nature of the alleged threats, we remain in contact with law enforcement partners in Connecticut taking the lead on the investigation."

Brown’s public safety department has nearly 100 members, including administrative personnel. Providence Police has a staffing of approximately 420 personnel — down from full staffing of approximately 500. Providence Police has both SWAT and a rifle team trained for tactical responses.

 

Hernandez and Brown

D.J. Hernandez served as quarterbacks coach for Brown’s football team for one season more than a decade ago, in the 2011-12 academic year under then-coach Phil Estes. He left Brown to coach at a higher level — the University of Miami.

He spent one year as an offensive grad assistant at the University of Miami and then went on to coach at the University of Iowa.

Prior to his coaching career, Hernandez was a two-year captain for the University of Connecticut, where he played quarterback and receiver from 2004-09. In 2011, he earned a master's degree from UConn in school counseling.