PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A gunman opened fire at Brown University on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to nine others during a busy exam period. Authorities are actively searching for the shooter, who was last seen fleeing the engineering building where the attack took place.
University President Christina Paxson confirmed that of the 10 victims, all but one were students. That individual may be a non-student injured by shattered glass. The chaotic scene unfolded on the Ivy League campus, prompting a swift response from police, who combed through academic buildings and surrounding neighborhoods in a late-night manhunt.
The suspect, described as a man in dark clothing potentially wearing a camouflage mask, was last captured on security footage departing the crime scene. Investigators are currently assessing how he gained access to the classroom, as outer doors were unlocked but required badge access for entry during final exam periods.
Local law enforcement believe the assailant was armed with a handgun, though official details on the weapon remain sparse. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed his shock at the violence, promising that law enforcement resources would be fully mobilized to locate the individual responsible.
A shelter-in-place order was enacted for nearby residents, resulting in an unusual calm in the typically bustling city streets. Mayor Brett Smiley echoed the sentiment of loss within the Brown community, stating, “The Brown community’s heart is breaking,” a reflection of shared grief across Providence.
Witnesses recounted the panic as gunfire erupted. Emma Ferraro, an engineering student, described fleeing the scene as she heard what turned out to be gunshots. She sought refuge in a nearby building and remained locked down for hours. Other students took cover under desks, turning off lights to remain undetected.
As night fell, police officers in tactical vests escorted students from campus buildings to safety. Many were moved to a gym for temporary shelter while authorities worked to secure the area. The shooting occurred in the Barus & Holley building, which is crucial to the School of Engineering, underscoring the randomness of the tragedy during a time of academic pressure.
Students like Alex Bruce, who was in a dormitory across the street, described their fear as they watched armed officers surround the campus. “I’m just in here shaking,” he said, encapsulating the raw emotion many felt in the wake of the incident.
The incident struck at a time when the nation grapples with gun violence. In response to similar tragedies, Rhode Island’s legislature passed a ban on certain assault weapons, set to take effect next year, but many activists believe more comprehensive measures are needed.
The atmosphere on campus remains tense as the community processes this devastating event. Browning University’s history as one of America’s oldest and most prestigious institutions adds weight to the collective mourning felt across its halls. As students and faculty reevaluate their sense of security, authorities continue to seek answers in the aftermath of this appalling act of violence.