A Tragic Day at Brown University
At least two people were killed on Saturday in a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island, with a suspect still at large, according to authorities. The incident has left the university and surrounding community in shock, as they grapple with the aftermath of what is being called a deeply tragic event.
The university initially reported that multiple individuals were shot and taken to local hospitals. Later, officials confirmed at least two deaths. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told reporters that at least eight people were injured, with six in critical but stable condition, one in critical condition, and another in stable condition. He later added that another person was wounded, though their injuries were not life-threatening.
Brown University issued an alert to students and faculty about an active shooter near the Barus and Holley engineering building at 4:22 p.m. EST. Officials noted that final exams were taking place in the building during the afternoon. They described the suspect as wearing black and last seen leaving the building. Later that night, officials revealed that the shooting occurred in a classroom.
“This is a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families, and our local community,” said Brown University President Christina Paxson in a statement. She later mentioned during a news conference that she had been informed that the 10 victims who were shot, including the deceased, are students of the university. However, she was unsure about the individual with non-life-threatening injuries.
Hours after the shooting, law enforcement officers were conducting searches through academic buildings, backyards, and porches. Brown University has approximately 7,300 undergraduate students and over 3,000 graduate students.
President Trump shared his thoughts on Truth Social while attending the Army-Navy college football game, stating that he had been briefed on the situation. He wrote, “God bless the victims and the families of the victims!”
The school previously stated that a suspect was in custody, but later corrected its alert to inform students and staff that the suspect had not been arrested. This reversal was noted by Trump on social media.
“We’re all thinking of and praying for the victims tonight,” Vice President Vance posted on the social platform X.
Brown University advised the community to “shelter in place by locking doors, silencing phones, and staying hidden until further notice.” The university emphasized that this remains an active crime scene, with law enforcement continuing to search for the suspect. It urged all members of the community to continue sheltering in place.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) expressed his heartbreak over the incident, noting that students were looking forward to a holiday break but instead faced a horrifying mass shooting in their own Providence community. He urged Rhode Islanders to rely only on official updates from Brown University and the Providence Police.
Fellow Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed (D) acknowledged the difficult moments families, classmates, and loved ones are experiencing as they wait for updates on patients in hospitals. He expressed solidarity with them, saying, “They will need the support of all of us in the days ahead.”
The FBI’s Boston field office confirmed on X that it is assisting law enforcement in Rhode Island. Student Katie Sun shared her experience with The Brown Daily Herald, describing the event as “quite terrifying” and noting that the shots seemed to come from where the classrooms are located.
As the investigation continues, the Brown University community and the broader Providence area remain united in their support for the victims and their families. The tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for dialogue and action on gun violence in the United States.