Providence, Rhode Island — A gunman dressed in black opened fire on the campus of Brown University on Saturday, resulting in two fatalities and nine injuries as students prepared for final exams. Local authorities are actively investigating the incident and are searching for the shooter, who was last seen fleeing the scene on foot.
The shooting occurred near the Barus & Holley building, which accommodates the university’s engineering and physics departments. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the casualties, though it remains unclear if the victims were among the student body. He indicated that information could evolve as the investigation progresses.
Deputy Chief of Police Timothy O’Hara reported that the suspect was observed wearing dark clothing during the attack. While police detained an individual initially thought to have been involved, they later determined that this person was not connected to the shooting incident.
As officers swept through campus grounds and surrounding neighborhoods, a shelter-in-place order was issued, prompting residents to stay indoors while authorities conducted a thorough search of academic buildings and private properties. Law enforcement filled the area, checking backyards and porches to ensure the public’s safety.
Saturday marked the second day of final exams for students, adding a layer of stress and fear to an already tense situation. The university community has been rattled by the violence, with many expressing concern for their safety in such an esteemed academic environment.
Because the situation is fluid, officials emphasized that gathering comprehensive and accurate details about the shooting is a gradual process that relies on eyewitness accounts, statements from law enforcement, and various other sources. The investigation into the incident continues while support resources are made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy.
The Brown University community, known for its rich academic atmosphere, now faces the grim reality of gun violence. As families and friends await further information about the victims, discussions about campus safety and gun control may gain momentum in the wake of this incident.