December 13, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island — A mass shooting on the campus of Brown University, one of America’s Ivy League institutions, left two people dead and at least eight others critically injured on Saturday, authorities said, as law enforcement launched an ongoing manhunt for the gunman.
The shooting occurred late Saturday afternoon near the Barus & Holley Engineering building, a central academic structure where students were taking final exams, according to local officials and university statements.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed at a late-evening press briefing that two victims had lost their lives and eight were in critical but stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital. Additional victims may exist but have not yet been officially accounted for.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos as shots rang out shortly after 4:05 p.m. local time. Brown University activated its emergency alert system, instructing students and staff to “shelter in place, lock doors, silence phones and remain hidden” while tactical teams moved to secure classrooms and hallways across campus.
Authorities are searching for a male suspect dressed in black, who remains at large as of Saturday night. Early, incorrect reports that a suspect was in custody were later retracted by university officials, who emphasized that law enforcement agencies — including campus police, the Providence Police Department and the FBI — continue to comb the area.
Lawrence N., a student in the building during the attack, told local news crews that initial confusion turned quickly to terror. “We heard gunshots, and for a moment all we could do was get under desks and stay quiet,” he said. While some students were evacuated as buildings were cleared, many remained on lockdown for several hours.
Brown University President Christina Paxson issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families, vowing full cooperation with investigators and the provision of support services for students and staff traumatized by the attack. Emergency counseling and crisis resources were mobilized late into the evening.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee described the incident as a “devastating tragedy” and urged the community to remain calm and to follow all safety directives as authorities pursue leads. He confirmed that citywide security had been heightened and multiple law enforcement units from neighboring jurisdictions were assisting.
The shooting adds a grim chapter to a troubling pattern of mass violence on U.S. campuses and prompts renewed debate over firearm access, campus security and mental health resources nationwide.
The investigation remains active, with police urging anyone with information or video footage from the scene to come forward. Residents living near the Brown University campus were advised to avoid the area and to continue following official guidance as the search for the suspect continues into the night.