Two Killed, Eight Critically Injured in Brown University Shooting; Suspect At Large
A shelter-in-place order remains active at Brown University and surrounding areas in Providence, Rhode Island, after a shooting on Saturday afternoon left two people dead and eight others critically injured. Authorities are actively searching for a male suspect described as being dressed in black.
Two people died at the scene, according to the city’s fire department Chief Derek Silva, while eight additional victims are receiving treatment at Rhode Island Hospital, approximately two miles from the university campus. Officials cautioned that the number of casualties may change as the situation develops.
The shooting occurred around 4 p.m.ET outside the Barus and Holley building, home to the School of Engineering and Physics Department. Final exams were underway at the time, according to Brown University Provost Francis Doyle.The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot, exiting through doors on the Hope Street side of the building, though the method of entry remains unclear.
“We’re utilizing every resource possible to find the suspect,” stated Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara during an evening press conference. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are coordinating with university and city police in the ongoing examination.
Earlier in the day, confusion arose regarding the suspect’s status, with initial reports – including statements from Brown officials and President Trump – incorrectly indicating an individual was in custody. “While [Brown University’s department of public safety] was at one point informed that there was an individual in custody, that person was resolute not to be the shooting suspect after questioning,” the university clarified in a saturday night update.
President Trump, after being briefed on the incident, offered a brief statement to reporters, saying, “What a terrible thing it is. All we can do right now is pray for the victims.”
Provost doyle addressed concerns about campus security, noting that access to the building typically requires swiping a card, but acknowledged the high volume of traffic during the exam period between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Brown officials have described the deceased as members of the university community and are working to identify the other victims in coordination with local hospitals. Students and faculty are instructed to remain vigilant and adhere to the shelter-in-place order, wich mandates keeping all doors locked and avoiding movement across campus.
“Sadly, today is a day that the city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island prayed would never come,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told reporters, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy on the community.
why did this happen? The motive for the shooting remains unknown at this time. Authorities have not released any information regarding a potential cause or the suspect’s background. The investigation is ongoing.
Who was involved? The shooting involved an unidentified male suspect, two deceased victims who were members of the Brown University community, and eight critically injured individuals receiving treatment at Rhode Island Hospital. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Brown university Public Safety, and Providence Police, are involved in the investigation.
What occurred? A shooting took place around 4 p.m. ET outside the barus and Holley building at Brown University during final exams. The suspect fled on foot after the incident. Initial reports of a suspect in custody were incorrect.
How did it end? As of this report, the shooting has not “ended” in the sense that the suspect remains at large. The immediate aftermath involved emergency medical response, a shelter-in-place order, and a large-scale manhunt coordinated by multiple law enforcement agencies. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided
