Horrific Attack
Deadly Shooting Rocks Brown University: 2 Students Dead, 9 Injured; Suspect Remains at Large
Deadly shooting at Brown University during finals leaves two students dead and nine injured after a gunman opened fire inside an engineering building. Suspect remains at large as a massive manhunt continues and campus stays on lockdown.
A gunman opened fire inside a classroom at Brown University's Barus & Holley engineering building on Saturday afternoon, killing two students and wounding nine others during the Ivy League school's final exams period, authorities said.
The shooting erupted around 4 p.m. ET, prompting an immediate shelter-in-place order for the campus and nearby areas. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the casualties in a news conference, stating that the two deceased died at the scene and that nine victims were transported to Rhode Island Hospital for gunshot wounds. Hospital officials reported that several of the injured were in critical but stable condition, with others in stable condition. Most victims were Brown students, according to university President Christina H. Paxson.
The suspect, described as a male dressed in black, fled on foot and remained at large late Saturday night. More than 400 law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, were involved in a widespread manhunt. Surveillance video of a person of interest leaving the building was released to aid in identification.
"The unthinkable has happened," Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said, expressing condolences and pledging support. Paxson called it "a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families and our local community."
Early confusion arose when university alerts briefly indicated a suspect in custody, but officials later clarified no arrest had been made. Reports of additional incidents in the area were deemed unfounded.
The attack occurred on the second day of finals, with exams taking place in the building. Officials noted the exterior doors were unlocked at the time, and a review of campus safety measures is expected.
President Donald Trump stated he had been briefed on the incident. The FBI established a tip line and online portal for information.The campus lockdown continued into the evening, with finals scheduled for Sunday canceled. Counseling resources were mobilized for the community.
The investigation is active, and authorities urged anyone with information to contact Providence Police at (401) 652-5767 or the FBI.