A tragic incident occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, when a gunman opened fire inside the Barus & Holley building, which houses the university’s engineering and physics departments. The attack resulted in two fatalities and nine injuries, according to officials.
The unidentified individual, described as “a male dressed in black,” left the scene after the shooting. Commander Timothy O’Hara of the Providence police department confirmed that the attacker exited through the Hope Street side of the building. The incident took place just after 4 p.m., during a time when exams were ongoing, and the outer doors of the building were open.
Authorities issued a shelter-in-place advisory for the campus and surrounding neighborhoods. This directive instructed individuals to lock doors, silence their phones, and remain safe. The alert remained in effect Saturday night, covering the approximately 11,000 students enrolled at the Ivy League institution.
An initial alert about someone being taken into custody was later withdrawn, causing confusion among the community. Students and staff had to take immediate action, with some hiding under desks as the shooting unfolded. Chiang-Heng Chien, a Ph.D. engineering student, recounted how he and others in a campus lab turned off the lights and closed doors to stay safe.
After two hours, police entered the building and directed those inside to evacuate quickly. The situation prompted an active manhunt for the shooter, with law enforcement working alongside federal agencies.
Brown University’s Health Services, which operates Rhode Island Hospital where the injured were treated, reported that seven individuals remained in critical condition, while one had been stabilized. An 11th victim was identified later, with non-life-threatening injuries from fragments.
University President Christina H. Paxson addressed the community, calling the event a “deeply tragic day for Brown, our families, and our local community.” She emphasized the need for support and unity during this difficult time.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, who lives about a block away from the incident, described the event as something the city had hoped would never happen. He noted that while other areas have experienced similar tragedies, it was the first such occurrence in Providence.
President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “What a terrible thing it is, and all we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt.” Federal resources, including the FBI and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, were involved in the response.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called the attack an “unthinkable tragedy,” offering his condolences to the victims and their families. Both FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi also extended their prayers for those affected.
The incident has left the Brown University community and the broader Providence area in shock, with many seeking answers and support in the wake of the violence. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the well-being of the victims and the safety of the campus and surrounding neighborhoods.