At Least Two Dead, Nine Injured in Mass Shooting at Brown University; Manhunt Underway
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A mass shooting at Brown University on Saturday afternoon left at least two people dead and nine others wounded, authorities confirmed, as a massive manhunt continues for the suspected gunman. The shooting occurred around 4 p.m. inside a classroom of the Barus and Holley engineering building located on Hope Street, according to Providence Police Deputy Chief Tim O’Hara.
Officials described the suspect as a man dressed entirely in black, last seen fleeing the scene on foot. Despite the severity of the incident, no weapons were recovered at the site. The university and local law enforcement agencies have issued a shelter-in-place order for the greater Brown University campus area while the search remains active.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley provided updates during a press conference, noting an additional injured individual beyond the initial reports. The university was holding multiple final exams in the building from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., which contributed to a higher number of people present at the time. Authorities are working to identify all individuals inside the building during the shooting.
More than 400 officers from local, state, and federal agencies have been deployed to assist in the investigation and manhunt. The FBI Boston Field Office confirmed its involvement, providing evidence response, investigative, tactical support, and victim assistance. FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement urging the public to keep those affected in their thoughts. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is also actively supporting the response.
Local residents expressed shock and fear following the shooting. Elias Christian, who lives a few blocks from the campus, described the area as typically safe and was unsettled by the violence. “I’ve not heard of anything like this happening to this scale,” he told reporters.
President Donald Trump, speaking after the Army-Navy football game, said he had been briefed on the tragedy. “What a terrible thing it is,” Trump said. “All we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt it looks like. … We’ll inform you later as to what’s happening, but it’s a shame. Let’s just pray.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee addressed the incident in a news conference, calling the shooting “unthinkable” and assuring the public that state resources are fully committed to supporting the investigation and the community.
Brown University officials have not yet released detailed statements but confirmed the shelter-in-place order remains in effect as authorities continue to secure the campus and search for the suspect. The university is coordinating closely with the Providence Police Department and Rhode Island State Police.
This tragic event adds to a growing list of mass shootings on college campuses nationwide, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures and mental health resources. For ongoing updates, the public is encouraged to follow official channels and heed law enforcement instructions.
More information about the FBI’s role in campus safety and response can be found on the FBI’s Mass Violence page. Guidance on active shooter preparedness is available from the Department of Homeland Security.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to contact the Providence Police Department immediately.
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