A shooting on the campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has left two people dead and eight others in critical condition. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon as many of the university's 10,000 students were taking final exams, prompting a large-scale police response and a campus-wide lockdown that remains active.
Authorities are engaged in an ongoing search for a suspect, described as a male wearing all black clothing. Initial reports of a suspect in custody were later retracted by law enforcement, adding to the uncertainty as the situation continues to unfold.
Key Takeaways
- Two people were killed and eight others are in critical condition following a shooting at Brown University.
- The incident began around 4:22 p.m. on Saturday near the Barus and Holley Engineering building.
- No suspect is in custody; police are searching for a male suspect dressed in black.
- A shelter-in-place order is in effect for the campus and surrounding area.
- The shooting occurred while students were taking final exams.
Campus Thrown into Chaos During Finals
The first reports of an active shooter emerged at 4:22 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The initial alert pinpointed the activity to the vicinity of the Barus and Holley Engineering building on the university's main campus. The timing of the attack created a particularly vulnerable situation, as numerous students were gathered in campus buildings to complete their end-of-semester examinations.
Confusion marked the early hours of the response. Providence Police initially indicated that one person had been taken into custody. However, that statement was later walked back, with officials confirming that the search for a suspect was still very much active. This correction intensified the urgency of the shelter-in-place order issued for the campus and nearby areas.
Providence Police Chief Timothy O'Hara provided a limited description of the suspect, stating he was a male wearing all black and was last seen in the 4 p.m. hour. He declined to provide further details about the individual's identity or potential motive, emphasizing that the investigation was still in its preliminary stages.
An Ongoing and Fluid Situation
Hours after the first shots were fired, the situation on the Brown University campus remains tense and unresolved. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley addressed the public, cautioning that the incident was "not done yet" and that there was a possibility of additional victims being discovered. He urged residents to continue adhering to the shelter-in-place directive.
"Please exercise caution and avoid this area until further notice," Providence Police said in a public safety announcement. "Follow the instructions of law enforcement personnel."
The search for the suspect is the primary focus for a multi-agency law enforcement effort. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee confirmed that state police and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency were on-site, "working closely" with local Providence authorities to secure the area and locate the perpetrator. The large presence of emergency vehicles and personnel has cordoned off major streets around the university, creating a perimeter as the search continues.
Timeline of Events
- 4:22 p.m.: First reports of an active shooter near the Barus and Holley Engineering building.
- Approx. 5:00 p.m.: A second report of shots fired is received but later deemed unfounded by police.
- Evening Hours: Officials confirm 2 fatalities and 8 critically injured.
- Ongoing: Shelter-in-place order remains in effect as the search for the suspect continues.
University and National Leaders Respond
Brown University officials issued a statement expressing gratitude for the swift response from law enforcement and emergency medical teams. The university confirmed that multiple final exams were underway at the time of the shooting, placing a significant number of students and faculty in direct proximity to the danger.
"We have been and continue to be very grateful to law enforcement and emergency medical personnel," the university's statement read. "Please continue to take all steps to remain safe." Officials have not yet confirmed whether the victims were students, faculty, or members of the public.
The incident quickly drew attention at the national level. President Donald Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the situation while speaking to reporters. "All we can do at this time is pray for those who are injured," the President stated. "We will keep you updated when we know more."
A Community on Edge
The campus, home to over 10,000 students, has been transformed from a center of academic activity into the epicenter of a major law enforcement operation. Students who were in libraries, dormitories, and classrooms when the lockdown began remain sheltered in place, communicating with family and friends while awaiting updates from authorities.
The lack of a suspect in custody has left the community on high alert. The motive for the attack is unknown, and authorities have not released any information regarding the weapon used or the specific circumstances that led to the shooting. The focus remains on securing the campus and providing medical care for the eight individuals who are fighting for their lives in area hospitals.
As night fell over Providence, the search continued under the illumination of police floodlights. The investigation is expected to be a complex and prolonged process as detectives work to piece together the events that led to this tragedy.