Two Dead, Several Hurt in Shooting at Brown University in Providence, RI
Two are dead and another eight are wounded following a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, that the university’s chief of police says remains “a fluid situation.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed in a press conference a little after 6:30 p.m. that two people were confirmed dead following the shooting that was first reported to authorities at around 4:05 p.m. Saturday. He said the situation remains “in early hours” and that the victim numbers may change as the investigation continues.
“There’s a shelter in place in effect for the greater Brown University area. If you live on or near Brown’s campus, we are encouraging you to stay home and stay inside. If you’re home at this time we would encourage you not to return to your homes until the shelter in place has been lifted,” Smiley said before going on to commend the local law enforcement and fire response and regional emergency agencies that provided mutual aid.
Brown University Chief of Police said responders are still dealing with “a very fluid situation, and dynamically involving.” He encouraged anyone who had any information about the shooting to reach out and report that information to authorities.
Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee said that he has marshalled the resources of the state to assist now that “the unthinkable has happened.” He said he has been in contact with the White House as well as regional counterparts including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.
President Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the FBI was on scene and assisting local and regional efforts. Mayor Smiley confirmed the ATF was also assisting.
Initial reports
“There’s an active shooter near Barus & Holley Engineering,” the Brown University Emergency Information system posted at 4:22 p.m. Saturday, the first of multiple alerts. “Lock doors, silence phones and stay stay hidden until further notice.”
The university confirmed “multiple shooting victims.”
“We are very sorry to share that we have confirmed reports of multiple shooting victims, but we do not yet have information about their condition that we are in a position to share,” a university update posted just after 6 p.m. stated. “They have been transported to local hospitals.”
The Providence Police Department also said that there were “multiple people shot” in the area and advised people to shelter in place or at least avoid the university area as the scene remains active.
The university said at 5:11 p.m. that one person had been arrested and was in custody but later retracted that report.
“Police do not have a suspect in custody and continue to search for suspect(s),” the alert stated.
A freshman sheltering in place in a dorm told the Herald he knows someone shot, helicopters are overhead and “gun violence in America is real.”
Shane, who asked that his last name remain anonymous, said the university is texting and posting updates, but he said a normal Saturday has turned into a horror show.
“I can’t tell if I heard gun shots or not, but sirens are all over campus and we’re all talking about those shot. The person I know shot is all right,” he added.
Shots have also been reported off campus on Governor Street close to the campus.
The Brown University Department of Public Safety further gave directions on how to respond to the emergency situation: “Remember: RUN, if you are in the affected location, evacuate safely if you can; HIDE, if evacuation is not possible, take cover; FIGHT, as a last resort, take action to protect yourself.”
At 5:27 p.m., the university said that it had received a report of “shots fired near Governor street,” which is a few blocks away, and urged people to “continue to shelter in place.”
“Stay clear,” the alert stated. “Law enforcement responding.”
Providence Police and other emergency services in Providence are also on the scene. Ambulances lined Thayer and Angell streets, which run through the campus.
“There is currently heavy Providence Police and Fire presence on Hope Street near Brown University,” the Providence Police Department wrote on X. “Please exercise caution and avoid this area until further notice.”
Federal response
President Donald Trump confirmed that the school was also receiving a federal response, with the FBI on the scene as of 5:44 p.m.
“I have been briefed on the shooting that took place at Brown University in Rhode Island. The FBI is on the scene,” Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social. “The suspect is in custody. God bless the victims and the families of the victims!”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in an X post that “personnel are on the scene and assisting this evening after the shooting at Brown University and we will provide all capabilities necessary.
“Please pray for all those involved. We will update with more information as we are able,” he continued.
The location
Barus & Holley is a campus building housing the university’s School of Engineering and Physics Department. The seven-story, 220,000-square-foot building houses 117 laboratories, 150 offices, 15 classrooms, 29 laboratory classrooms and three lecture halls, according to an information sheet hosted on the university’s website.
The Ivy League school was on the second day of its final exams week, according to the academic calendar.
The university said that senior leadership have “convened in emergency command to mobilize ongoing response and support for our community.”
“We are establishing support for our community and families,” the university statement continued. “We have been and continue to be very grateful to law enforcement and emergency medical personnel. Please continue to take all steps to remain safe. Follow the instructions of law enforcement personnel and avoid the area.”
This is a developing story.
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