A wave of shock and fear tore through the Brown University campus on Saturday afternoon after reports emerged of an active shooter inside the Barus & Holley engineering building in Providence, Rhode Island. Local law enforcement officials confirmed that at least two people have died and eight others were rushed to nearby hospitals in critical but stable condition following the attack. As emergency responses surged onto the scene, authorities quickly declared a manhunt for the suspect who remains at large, leaving students, faculty, and families across the nation reeling.
The shooting unfolded just after 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time during the final exam period, when hundreds of students were on campus preparing for the end of the semester. Witnesses described a sudden eruption of gunfire that sent classmates diving under desks and seeking shelter in locked classrooms as panic spread through the building. Providence police and first responders were on the scene within minutes, securing the area and initiating urgent medical evacuations to Rhode Island Hospital. Wikipedia
Authorities have released limited details about the suspect but described the individual as a male dressed in dark clothing, seen on surveillance footage walking away from the scene shortly after the gunfire began. Despite early public confusion about a possible arrest, law enforcement agencies later clarified that no suspect is currently in custody, and a comprehensive search has been under way across Providence and surrounding communities. The campus was placed under a shelter-in-place order for several hours as hundreds of officers—including the FBI and ATF—joined local police in the intensive manhunt.
The eight wounded victims, many of whom were students, were transported to medical facilities where doctors worked around the clock to stabilize their conditions. At least six were reported in critical but stable condition, according to hospital officials, while others were treated for less severe injuries and trauma. Families of the victims have been notified, and university counselors were made available to support students and staff still shaken by the violence.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson addressed the community in an emotional statement, calling the shooting “a day no university community is ever prepared for.” She underscored the university’s focus on aiding those affected and cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues. Nearby residents and businesses were urged to remain vigilant, and public safety updates were disseminated as authorities pieced together the sequence of events leading up to the tragic attack.
The chaotic aftermath saw campus officials cancel all remaining classes and examinations, while local authorities secured a perimeter around the affected area, advising people to avoid the College Hill neighborhood as the situation developed. Students described hours of fear and uncertainty, some taking refuge in library stacks and campus buildings until authorities cleared them systematically. The Rhode Island community rallied quickly, with vigils and support networks forming as news of the tragedy spread. AP News
In a press conference, Providence Police Chief emphasized that investigators were pursuing every available lead, reviewing video evidence and urging anyone with information to come forward. The FBI has launched an online portal for the public to submit tips, videos, or photos that could assist in identifying and locating the shooter, underscoring the collaborative effort underway. Local and federal law enforcement leaders stressed that while progress is being made, the priority remains apprehending whoever is responsible before further harm can occur. News From The States
The broader response included a multi-agency mobilization, with more than 400 officers participating in the search effort as additional resources were deployed across the city. Roadblocks and checkpoints were established near major transit points as investigators sought to track the suspect’s movements after fleeing the campus. Community members were repeatedly reminded to stay inside and report any suspicious activity as the investigation unfolded through the night. Rhode Island Current
National reaction to the shooting was swift, with political leaders expressing shock and sorrow over another tragic act of gun violence on an American campus. Calls for renewed attention to safety protocols and gun policy reform emerged from lawmakers across the political spectrum, reflecting deep frustration over repeated mass shootings in educational settings. President Trump publicly offered condolences to the families affected and pledged federal support for the ongoing investigation.
As night fell on Providence, families of students and residents gathered near safe zones established by authorities, seeking reassurance and updates from officials on the search for the suspect. Social media was flooded with messages of solidarity, grief, and calls for peace, as those connected to Brown University tried to make sense of the senseless. Regardless of the suspect’s motivations or identity, the emotional impact of the violence will be felt long after the manhunt ends and the campus begins the long process of healing.
