UPDATE: At least two people are dead and eight others critically injured following a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, today. The incident has prompted an urgent response from local and federal law enforcement, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as they assist in the ongoing investigation.
The shooting occurred during a busy exam period, with final exams taking place between 2 PM and 5 PM. Students were alerted to an active shooter situation and were instructed to shelter in place, locking doors and silencing phones. Reports indicate that the shooter, described as a male dressed in black, fled the scene on foot after firing shots inside the Barus and Holley building, which houses classrooms and laboratories for the university’s engineering and physics departments.
Brown University President Francis Doyle has urged the campus community to remain in lockdown as police work to assess the situation and determine who was present in the building at the time of the attack.
In a statement, Providence Deputy Chief of Police Tim O’Hara confirmed that there was no interaction between the suspect and police at the scene. “We’re utilizing every resource possible to find this suspect,” he said, urging the public to stay clear of the area.
Earlier statements from President Donald Trump expressed condolences for the victims. He referred to the situation as “terrible” and stated, “All we can do right now is pray for the victims.” He has been briefed on the ongoing situation while attending the Army-Navy football game in Baltimore.
Witnesses describe a chaotic scene, with emergency responders rushing to the site. “I saw about two people getting carried away on stretchers,” said a local resident. Students in the building were forced to hide under desks for safety during the lockdown, with reports of armored police officers searching classrooms for the shooter.
As the situation develops, Brown University officials are working closely with local law enforcement to provide updates and support to affected students. Mayor Brett Smiley will hold a news conference at 6:30 PM ET to update the public on the investigation and the status of the victims.
Authorities continue to search for the suspect while urging everyone to avoid the area. The community is in shock as they process this tragic event, marking a dark day for Brown University and the city of Providence. Further details will emerge as the investigation unfolds.
Stay tuned for live updates as authorities work to bring clarity to this developing situation.
