Gunman Kills Two, Injures Nine in Shooting at Brown University

A gunman opened fire at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, killing two individuals and injuring nine others. The shooting occurred inside the Barus and Holley building, which houses the engineering and physics departments, during a time when exams were in progress. The incident prompted a campus lockdown as hundreds of police officers, including FBI agents, searched for the suspect into the night.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire around 16:22 (GMT), leading to chaos as students and staff sought safety. One student, Katie Sun, described the moment she heard the shots while studying nearby. “It was honestly quite terrifying. The shots seemed like they were coming from… where the classrooms are,” she told the Brown Daily Herald.

By late evening, approximately six hours after the incident, the gunman remained at large. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the fatalities and reported that eight individuals were in critical but stable condition. Another victim sustained minor injuries from shooting fragments. “I can confirm that there are two individuals who have died this afternoon, and there are another eight in critical status, though stable,” Smiley stated during a news conference.

The university’s administration emphasized the ongoing lockdown as police continued their search for the suspect, who was described as a man dressed entirely in black. Authorities released a brief ten-second video showing the suspect walking briskly away from the scene after the shooting. No weapon has been recovered as of yet.

Emergency Response and Impact

Following the shooting, Brown University issued an emergency alert advising everyone on campus to lock doors, silence their phones, and remain hidden until further notice. Law enforcement officials responded rapidly, with local news reports indicating that evidence of the shooting, including clothing and blood, was visible at the scene.

Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara urged the community to take the shelter-in-place order seriously, stating, “We’re utilizing every resource possible to find this suspect. Please do not come to the area.” The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also deployed to assist in the investigation.

University President Christina Paxson expressed her heartbreak for the students affected by this tragic event. “My heart breaks for the students who were looking forward to a holiday break and instead are dealing with another horrifying mass shooting,” she said in a late-night briefing.

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse also took to social media, expressing his condolences and emphasizing the need to address gun violence.

Context of Gun Violence in the U.S.

This incident marks yet another tragic chapter in the ongoing issue of gun violence in educational institutions across the United States. The deadliest school shooting in U.S. history occurred at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, when a shooter killed 32 individuals before taking his own life.

As the investigation continues, the Brown University community, which comprises approximately 11,000 students, faces the daunting challenge of processing the aftermath of this violence.

In a brief statement, U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the shooting, stating, “What a terrible thing it is. All we can do right now is pray for the victims.” The response from officials and the community reflects a broader call for action in addressing the persistent challenges surrounding gun control and safety in schools.

As the situation develops, authorities remain focused on locating the suspect and ensuring the safety of the university community.