A tense situation unfolded at Brown University in Rhode Island, with authorities actively searching for a suspect hours after a shooting incident left at least two individuals dead and nine others injured. The campus was under a strict shelter-in-place order as law enforcement worked to secure the area and escort students and staff to safety. University alerts issued late in the evening confirmed the ongoing efforts to ensure the well-being of the campus community.
The tragic event occurred within the Barus & Holley Engineering building, a prominent seven-story structure that houses the university’s School of Engineering and Physics Department. This location, central to academic and research activities, became the focal point of a rapidly evolving crisis.
Initial reports indicated that eight victims of the shooting were in critical but stable condition at local hospitals. University President Christina Paxson later provided further details, stating that ten individuals who were shot were identified as students. An additional person sustained injuries from fragments, though their student status remained unconfirmed at the time.
Law enforcement officials described the suspect as a male individual wearing dark clothing. The search efforts were extensive, involving a coordinated response from multiple agencies. Early in the investigation, a person who was initially believed to be involved was detained, but authorities later confirmed they were not connected to the incident.
The shooting cast a somber shadow over the campus, particularly as it occurred during the second day of final exams, a period typically characterized by focused academic activity. The disruption and fear were palpable for students and faculty.
Brown University had been in constant communication with the campus community and the public, confirming its coordination with various law enforcement agencies on site and the presence of emergency medical personnel. The scene surrounding the engineering school was heavily secured, with officers equipped with tactical gear and emergency vehicles lining the surrounding streets. Media members were also advised to take cover as the situation remained active.
The incident drew national attention, with President Donald Trump announcing that he had been briefed on the situation and offering his condolences to the victims and their families.
As the investigation progressed, the university issued a retraction of an earlier statement suggesting a suspect was in custody. The shelter-in-place directive remained in effect, with clear instructions for individuals on campus to remain indoors, secure their locations, silence electronic devices, and stay out of sight. The university also addressed and debunked reports of further shots fired on Governor Street, emphasizing the importance of relying on official communications.