PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A shooting at Brown University on Saturday left two individuals dead and nine others injured, raising serious concerns about campus safety as authorities continue to search for the assailant.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. at the Barus & Holley building, a site where students were gathered for exams in the School of Engineering and the Physics Department. Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all victims were current students during a press conference later that evening. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, addressing the gravity of the situation, disclosed that six of the injured are in critical but stable condition, while one remains critical and another is stable at Rhode Island Hospital.
Initial reports indicated that a suspect had been taken into custody, but that information was later corrected, leading to widespread confusion. As of Saturday night, the shooter remains at large. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, as students scrambled for safety in the aftermath of the gunfire. Authorities are actively pursuing a man dressed in black, who was last seen exiting the building on the Hope Street side.
President Paxson expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the sense of loss the Brown community is experiencing. “We are united in grief and support for those affected,” she said.
The shooting has prompted a national dialogue on gun violence in educational institutions. In response, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, labeling the event as a “terrible thing” and noting that he has been briefed on the situation.
As the investigation unfolds, critical questions remain unanswered. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, and the nature of the weapon used in the shooting is still under investigation. Additionally, law enforcement is seeking to understand the motive behind the attack and whether there are more victims than currently reported.
Both local and federal agencies are cooperating in the pursuit of the shooter, and increased security measures are expected to be implemented across the campus. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist the ongoing investigation.
The tragic event at Brown University serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing issues facing educational institutions regarding safety and violence, leaving students, faculty, and families grappling with fear and uncertainty.