Providence, Rhode Island — A tragic shooting incident at Brown University on Saturday left two individuals dead and at least nine others injured during a final exam period at the Ivy League institution. Authorities are actively searching for the suspected shooter, described as a man in dark clothing who fled the scene shortly after the gunfire erupted.
University President Christina Paxson confirmed that most of the victims are students, with another injured party hit by debris related to the shooting. The injured were transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where one remains in critical condition while six are receiving intensive care. The rest are reported stable.
Police have been canvassing the campus and surrounding neighborhoods, scouring both academic buildings and residential lawns into the evening hours. Timothy O’Hara, deputy chief of police, stated that the suspect was last seen departing from the engineering building where the attack occurred. Security footage captured the individual walking away, although his face was obscured. Witness reports suggest he may have been sporting a camouflage mask and could be in his 30s.
Investigators are delving into how the gunman accessed a first-floor classroom that was hosting exams. While some exterior doors were unlocked, access to the rooms generally requires a badge, noted Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley.
Officials believe the weapon used in the attack was a handgun, according to a source familiar with the investigation who requested anonymity. Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island referred to the shooting as “the unthinkable” and assured that a full-scale response is underway to apprehend the suspect.
Authorities have implemented a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area, urging residents to remain indoors until further notice. Streets, which are typically lively on weekends, have become eerily quiet as police continue their search.
Brown University, renowned for its engineering and physics programs, was the scene of the shooting in the Barus & Holley building, which features more than 100 laboratories and numerous classrooms. Students who sheltered-in-place reported hearing what they described as “loud pops.” It took several hours for police, equipped in tactical gear, to secure the area and safely escort students to a nearby fitness center.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the tragic event and expressed his condolences, stating that “all we can do right now is pray for the victims.”
Rhode Island’s strict gun laws have been a topic of discussion following this incident. Recently, the Democratic-majority state legislature passed legislation banning the sale and manufacturing of certain high-powered firearms, poised to take effect next July. The legislation is part of ongoing efforts to address gun violence in the state.