Providence, Rhode Island – Saturday, December 2025.
A shooting at brown university went on saturday afternoon Two people died and nine others were injured According to university officials and Providence city leaders, a gunman opened fire inside a campus building where exams were being held. Officials are now organizing a massive search For the suspect because the Ivy League campus is on lockdown.
The incident has shocked Brown University, the city of Providence, and the broader academic community.
What happened
Tragedy spreads all around 4:05 pm On Saturday, when Providence Police received a report of a Active shooter at Brown Universityespecially near Baras and Holley Engineering and Physics Building,
At the time of shooting, Many exams were scheduled between 2 pm and 5 pm in the buildingAnd the doors were open. University officials immediately sent out an emergency alert urging students and faculty to shelter in place.
“There is an active shooter near Baras & Holly Engineering. Lock doors, turn off phones and remain hidden until further notice,” the alert said.
Providence Police Deputy Chief timothy o’hara It was later confirmed that there had been gunfire. inside the first floor classroomHowever, it is not clear whether the victims were taking exams or attending a study group at the time.
Background of the case
according to the mayor Brett Smiley, two people died in the Brown University shooting, and nine others were injuredInjured victims were taken Rhode Island HospitalWhere officials provided the following update:
- 1 person is in critical condition
- The condition of 6 people is serious but stable
- The condition of 2 people is stable
Authorities later clarified that one of the nine injured had done so not a gunshot woundBut was left in pieces and later sought medical care.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxon He said he was initially told that the victims were students, but had not yet confirmed whether all the injured persons were members of the university community.
Investigation details and manhunt
A massive search The search is on for the suspected shooter described as wearing dark clothesWitnesses said the suspect was seen fleeing the building on foot, Hope Street Exit Immediately after the attack.
Released by authorities late Saturday night Video footage of “person of interest” Baras and Holly exit the building. The man’s face is not visible in the video, and police are urging the public to help identify the man.
Some witnesses described the suspects to investigators He may have been wearing a camouflage-style maskHowever that detail has not been confirmed. The police also said that The gun used in the shooting has not been recoveredAnd they have not released information about the type of weapon involved.
The FBI has launched a dedicated tip portal But FBI.gov/BrownUniversityShootingWhere the public can submit photos, videos or information related to the case.
Public and social media reactions
The shooting spread immediate grief and fear across campus and online. Students hid in dormitories, classrooms and administrative buildings for hours as law enforcement secured the area.
Governor of Rhode Island Dan McKee He described the incident as “unimaginable” and said:
“We’re going to make sure that we catch the person who has caused so much pain to so many people.”
Mackie confirmed they spoke President Donald Trump And FBI Director Kash PatelBoth pledged federal support. Trump later told reporters that the FBI was at the scene and added:
“This is such a terrible thing. Right now we can only pray for the victims.”
President Paxson described the shooting as “An extremely sad day for Brown”Expressing condolences to the victims and their families.
Campus lockdown and what will happen next
Till late Saturday night, Brown University is on lockdownStudents were instructed to stay indoors with doors closed. more than this 400 law enforcement officers were deployed throughout the campus and surrounding areas.
Authorities established a secure perimeter, evacuating some individuals from administrative buildings, while telling students in nearby residential housing to continue sheltering in place.
Police stressed that the situation is still ongoing liquidsIn view of the earlier confusion when a person was mistakenly believed to be in custody and the second time unfounded reports of firing emerged.
investigators are requesting anyone with information To contact Providence Police or submit tips directly to the FBI.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
