Providence, Rhode Island — Saturday, December 2025.
A shooting at Brown University on Saturday afternoon left two people dead and nine others wounded after a gunman opened fire inside a campus building where exams were underway, according to university officials and Providence city leaders. Authorities are now conducting a large-scale manhunt for the suspect as the Ivy League campus remains on lockdown.
The incident has shaken Brown University, the city of Providence, and the wider academic community.
What Happened
The tragedy unfolded around 4:05 p.m. on Saturday when Providence police received reports of an active shooter at Brown University, specifically near the Barus & Holley Engineering and Physics Building.
At the time of the shooting, multiple exams were scheduled in the building between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and the doors were unlocked. University officials quickly sent out an emergency alert urging students and faculty to shelter in place.
“There’s an active shooter near Barus & Holley Engineering. Lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice,” the alert stated.
Providence Police Deputy Chief Timothy O’Hara later confirmed that the shooting occurred inside a first-floor classroom, though it remains unclear whether the victims were taking an exam or participating in a study group at the time.
Background of the Case
According to Mayor Brett Smiley, two people were killed in the Brown University shooting, and nine others were injured. The wounded victims were transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where officials provided the following update:
- 1 person in critical condition
- 6 people in critical but stable condition
- 2 people in stable condition
Authorities later clarified that one of the nine injured did not suffer a gunshot wound, but was struck by fragments and sought medical care afterward.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson said she was initially told the victims were students but could not yet confirm whether all the injured individuals were members of the university community.
Investigation Details and Manhunt
A massive manhunt is underway for the suspected shooter, described as wearing dark clothing. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect flee the building on foot through the Hope Street exit shortly after the attack.
Late Saturday night, officials released video footage of a “person of interest” exiting the Barus & Holley building. The individual’s face is not visible in the video, and police are urging the public to help identify the person.
Some witnesses told investigators the suspect may have been wearing a camouflage-style mask, though that detail has not been confirmed. Police also stated that the firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered, and they have not released information about the type of weapon involved.
The FBI has launched a dedicated tip portal at FBI.gov/BrownUniversityShooting, where the public can submit photos, videos, or information related to the case.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The shooting sparked an immediate outpouring of grief and fear across campus and online. Students sheltered in dorms, classrooms, and administrative buildings for hours as law enforcement secured the area.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called the incident “unthinkable,” saying:
“We’re going to make sure that we catch the individual that brought so much suffering to so many people.”
McKee confirmed he spoke with President Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel, both of whom pledged federal support. Trump later told reporters the FBI was on the scene and added:
“What a terrible thing it is. All we can do right now is pray for the victims.”
President Paxson described the shooting as “a deeply tragic day for Brown”, expressing condolences to the victims and their families.
Campus Lockdown and What Happens Next
As of late Saturday night, Brown University remains on lockdown, with students instructed to stay indoors with doors locked. More than 400 law enforcement officers were deployed across the campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
Authorities established a secure perimeter, escorting some individuals out of administrative buildings while asking students in nearby residential housing to continue sheltering in place.
Police emphasized that the situation is still fluid, noting earlier confusion when an individual was mistakenly believed to be in custody and when an unfounded report of a second shooting briefly surfaced.
Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Providence Police or submit tips directly to the FBI.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post Brown University Shooting Leaves Two Dead, Nine Wounded During Exams as Massive Manhunt Continues first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
