Two people were killed and eight injured in a shooting at Brown University on Saturday afternoon, city officials said, while police continue to search for one or more suspects.
Chronology of the incident
At 4:22 p.m. local time, the university issued its first alert, directing everyone on campus to lock doors, silence cell phones and hide until further notice. A second alert followed at 5:27 p.m., reporting gunfire near Governor Street, about two blocks from the seven‑story Barus & Holley building that houses the School of Engineering and the Department of Physics. Officials asked students and staff to remain in place or stay away from the area while responders worked.
Police and firefighters from Providence established a strong presence on Hope Street near the campus, and the city’s public information director, Kristy DosReis, said authorities were still gathering details.
Law‑enforcement response
Providence police launched a search for the shooter(s), and agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also on the scene, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi, who urged prayers for those affected.
The university’s alert system initially announced that a suspect was in custody, but that information was later corrected to indicate the investigation was still ongoing.
Public statements
President Donald Trump posted on social media around 6:00 p.m. ET that he had been informed of the shooting and that “the suspect is in custody.” About twenty minutes later he retracted the statement, noting that Brown police had withdrawn the claim and that the suspect was not detained.
Impact on campus life
Brown University, an Ivy‑League private nonprofit institution, enrolls roughly 7,300 undergraduate and over 3,000 graduate students. The shooting occurred on the second day of the fall‑semester final examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many victims were there?
Two people died and eight were injured.
What instructions were given to students and staff?
Initially, everyone was told to lock doors, silence phones and hide. Later, they were asked to stay in place or keep away from the Barus & Holley building while authorities responded.
Which agencies are participating in the investigation?
Providence police, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are on the scene.
How do you think this event will shape discussions about campus safety moving forward?
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