BREAKING: At least two people are dead and eight others are critically injured following a horrific shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, earlier today. The university is currently on high alert as authorities search for the suspected shooter, described as a male dressed in black.
Campus officials confirmed that students received urgent alerts about an active shooter situation, prompting a lockdown that lasted for hours. The shooting occurred in the Barus and Holley building, which houses classrooms and laboratories for engineering and physics. The incident unfolded between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. local time, coinciding with final exams.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation, stating, “All we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt.” The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities confirmed that there was no engagement between police and the suspect, who fled the scene on foot. The investigation is ongoing to determine how the shooter accessed the building. Providence Deputy Chief of Police Tim O’Hara urged the public to stay away from the area as resources are deployed to apprehend the suspect.
Brown University Provost Francis Doyle instructed the campus community to shelter in place as police assess the situation. A student, who was in a lab during the shooting, recounted the chaos as they locked down for approximately two hours, unsure of their safety.
Witnesses reported seeing numerous emergency vehicles respond to the scene, performing CPR on victims and evacuating the injured. “It’s very scary because I don’t want to get harmed,” said a local resident witnessing the events unfold.
As of the latest updates, the victims are hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The university has mobilized support services for students and staff affected by the tragedy. No details about the victims have been disclosed at this time.
In a previous alert, Brown University officials addressed unconfirmed reports of a secondary shooting, urging everyone to remain vigilant and stay sheltered in place. The situation remains active, with law enforcement continuing their search for the shooter.
Officials are expected to provide further updates at a news conference scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. For now, the community holds its breath as the investigation unfolds, reflecting the fear and uncertainty that such violence brings to educational environments.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story develops.
