BREAKING: A devastating shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has left at least 2 people dead and 8 others critically injured, according to campus officials. The incident unfolded earlier today as students were preparing for final exams, prompting campus-wide alerts warning of an active shooter.
Authorities report that the suspected shooter, described as a male dressed in black, remains at large. Providence Deputy Chief of Police Tim O’Hara stated during a news conference, “We’re utilizing every resource possible to find this suspect. Please do not come to the area.” The shooter reportedly fled on foot after the attack, which occurred around 2 p.m. ET at the Barus and Holley building, a facility housing classrooms and labs for the engineering and physics departments.
In a statement from the White House, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, saying, “What a terrible thing… all we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt.” He is set to return to the White House shortly after attending the Army-Navy football game in Baltimore.
Students were instructed to shelter in place as law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the campus. Many students described harrowing experiences, including hiding in classrooms for over two hours until they were safely evacuated. One student recounted, “We shut off the lights, closed the doors, and waited under our desks until we received another notification to evacuate.”
As the situation unfolds, federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are providing assistance to local authorities. Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that officials are actively investigating and coordinating efforts to locate the shooter.
Witnesses reported seeing emergency vehicles rush to the scene, with multiple individuals receiving CPR and being transported to nearby hospitals. The condition of the victims remains critical but stable, and authorities have not yet released names.
Students are urged to remain vigilant and continue following safety protocols. A campus alert cautioned, “If you are in the affected location, evacuate safely if you can; hide if evacuation is not possible; fight as a last resort.”
The situation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. As the community grapples with this tragedy, the need for support services for affected students is paramount.
Stay tuned for live updates as authorities continue to investigate this shocking incident at Brown University.
