UPDATE: A devastating shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has left at least 2 people dead and 8 others critically injured. Campus officials confirmed the tragic events unfolded today around 2 p.m. ET, during final exam periods, prompting immediate shelter-in-place orders for students and staff.
Authorities are scrambling to locate the suspected shooter, described as a male dressed in black. Providence Deputy Chief of Police Tim O’Hara urged the public to avoid the area. “We’re utilizing every resource possible to find this suspect,” he stated during a press briefing. The shooter fled the scene on foot, and no one is currently in custody.
As news spread, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, stating, “All we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt.” He received briefings while attending the Army-Navy football game in Baltimore and later confirmed that the suspect is not in custody, contradicting earlier reports.
The shooting occurred in the Barus and Holley building, home to classrooms and labs for the engineering and physics departments. Students were in lockdown for hours, hiding in classrooms as police searched for the shooter. One student recounted the fear and uncertainty, saying, “We didn’t know what was going on, and we just waited.”
The incident has drawn a massive response from local law enforcement, with additional support from federal agencies like the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. These agencies are providing crucial investigative assistance as the situation unfolds.
As of 6:34 p.m. ET, Brown University reported that the injured victims are being treated at local hospitals. The university is coordinating with local police to determine who was inside the building at the time of the shooting and to provide necessary support services.
Witnesses described chaos as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene. One resident recalled seeing police perform CPR on victims. “I saw someone on the ground, unfortunately. It looked like they were getting CPR,” said a nearby resident.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of the victims, but the community remains in shock following this violent episode. The university has advised everyone to continue sheltering in place as they investigate the events thoroughly.
The governor of Rhode Island, Dan McKee, has stated he is “actively monitoring” the situation and expressed his condolences to the victims and their families.
As the investigation continues, residents and students alike are left with a sense of fear and uncertainty. The Brown University community is rallying together in support of those affected, highlighting the emotional toll this tragedy has taken.
Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue their investigation and search for the suspect.
