Deadly Shooting at Brown University Leaves Two Dead, Eight Wounded Amid Finals Week
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Brown University, one of the nation’s prestigious Ivy League institutions, was shaken to its core on Saturday when a gunman opened fire inside the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building, killing two people and wounding eight others during the critical finals week. The incident has prompted a massive law enforcement response and a shelter-in-place order that remains in effect as authorities continue the search for the suspect.
University President Christina H. Paxson expressed profound sorrow in a message to the campus community, stating, “This is a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families and our local community. There are truly no words that can express the deep sorrow we are feeling for the victims of the shooting that took place today at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building.” She added, “This is a day that we hoped never would come to our community. It is deeply devastating for all of us. We are grateful to law enforcement for their immediate response and their ongoing work to ensure the safety of our community. Please continue to take all steps to be safe.”
Brown University, founded in 1764 and located in Providence, Rhode Island, is home to more than 11,000 students and approximately 5,500 employees. Its $8 billion endowment ranks it among the wealthiest universities in the country. The campus shooting is the latest in a troubling series of mass shootings at U.S. colleges, underscoring ongoing concerns about campus safety nationwide.
During the shooting, students and faculty were forced to barricade themselves inside buildings. One junior student recounted to Fox News Digital how he and hundreds of others were moved to a basement office space, where they awaited police for nearly two hours while calling 911 to report their locations. “We’re hearing pretty daunting numbers, and people are all checking in on their friends,” he said.
Authorities have been conducting extensive sweeps of the campus to ensure no further threats remain. The Providence Police Department, working closely with federal agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has blocked off streets and advised residents to remain indoors as the manhunt continues.
Rhode Island Hospital, located near the campus, was placed on lockdown but continues to accept emergency patients. Emergency responders have described the situation as among the most challenging they have faced in recent years.
President Donald Trump, briefed on the shooting, called the tragedy “a terrible thing” and urged the nation to pray for the victims and those critically injured. “All we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt, it looks like,” he said.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials have released images of a person of interest and are appealing to the public for any information that may aid in locating the suspect. The university community remains on edge, with students continuing to shelter in place and officials emphasizing the importance of vigilance.
This incident at Brown University adds to the growing national dialogue on gun violence and campus security. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that firearm-related injuries remain a leading cause of death among young adults, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.
Authorities have assured the public that they are dedicating all necessary resources to bring the suspect to justice and restore safety to the Brown campus. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.
For more information on campus safety protocols and ongoing alerts, visit the Brown University official website and the Providence Police Department.
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