PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A gunman in dark clothing opened fire on Saturday at Brown University, claiming at least two lives and injuring eight others during finals week in the Ivy League institution. The attack occurred in the Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering.
Authorities quickly mobilized in response to the shooting, with officers sweeping through campus grounds and an adjacent affluent neighborhood, searching academic buildings and private residences for the suspect. As the situation unfolded, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley urged residents near the university to shelter in place due to ongoing threats.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with students and faculty scrambling for safety amid the sounds of gunfire. Emma Ferraro, a student working on a project in the building’s lobby, recalled hearing loud bangs and instinctively fleeing to a nearby location where she could wait for the situation to stabilize.
Hospital officials reported that eight victims suffering from gunshot wounds were admitted to Rhode Island Hospital, with several in critical condition. The university initially announced that a suspect was in custody, later clarifying that this was not the case. A preliminary detainment of an individual believed to be connected to the shooting was quickly reversed.
Nearly five hours after the gunfire erupted, officers in tactical gear began evacuating students from buildings, directing them to a nearby fitness center for safety. Senior biochemistry student Alex Bruce, who was in his dormitory across the street, expressed his anxiety as he watched armed personnel respond to the emergency.
As law enforcement searched the campus, social media was filled with updates from students seeking shelter. Some took refuge under desks in laboratories, while others found safety in local businesses. Mari Camara, a junior, hid in a restaurant for hours, sharing her fear with friends as police continued to secure the area.
Local and federal authorities, including the FBI, joined forces to track down the shooter. A law enforcement official indicated that a handgun was believed to have been used in the attack, although details remained sparse as investigations commenced.
Brown University, one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions in the nation, serves around 7,300 undergraduates and over 3,000 graduate students. Tuition and fees can total nearly $100,000 annually, underscoring the gravity of the incident on a campus known for its prestigious academic environment.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, national leaders, including President Donald Trump, have offered prayers for the victims, marking a moment of reflection amid the tragedy. This incident adds to the ongoing discourse surrounding gun violence and safety in educational settings.