Manhunt Under Way After Deadly Mass Shooting at Brown University Leaves Two Students Dead
A large-scale manhunt is ongoing after a mass shooting at Brown University left two students dead and nine others injured in Providence, Rhode Island.
The gunman opened fire inside a classroom at around 4:00pm local time on Saturday, in a building where examinations were being held. The incident triggered an immediate lockdown at as police launched an intensive search for the suspect, who is still at large.
Students in parts of the campus have been ordered to shelter in place, with officers escorting people out of affected areas when it is safe to do so. officials said most of those injured are in critical but stable condition. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
“This is a day we hoped would never come,” Brown University president said in a statement, describing the attack as deeply devastating for the campus community.
Police have shared limited details about the suspect, believed to be a man dressed entirely in black and possibly wearing a mask. said CCTV footage shows the suspect leaving the building after the shooting, though his face was not visible. The firearm used has not been recovered, and investigators have not confirmed whether the suspect has any connection to the university or established a motive.
The shooting occurred in the Barus and Holley building, part of Brown’s engineering school, inside a large first-floor classroom. An economics professor told local outlet that the attack happened during a review session led by a teaching assistant. Students reportedly tried to flee or hide in the stadium-style seating as shots were fired.
Although police cleared the building later that afternoon, neither the suspect nor the weapon was found. Residents in surrounding areas were urged to remain indoors or avoid the campus until the shelter-in-place order is lifted.
Journalist Steph Machado of the told that nearby restaurants locked their doors, with staff and customers sheltering inside. “There are flashing lights everywhere,” she said.
Early reports suggesting a suspect had been arrested were later corrected, with police confirming the detained individual had no involvement in the attack.
Brown student Mari Camara, 20, told the she fled into a restaurant after leaving the library and hid there for nearly three hours. “Everyone is shocked and terrified that something like this could happen,” she said.
University provost Frank Doyle announced that all exams scheduled for Saturday were cancelled.
US President described the shooting as “a terrible thing,” saying his thoughts and prayers were with the victims. Rhode Island Governor called the incident an “unthinkable tragedy” for the state capital.
Founded in 1764, Brown University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the US and a member of the . The school has more than 11,000 students and is located about 50 miles from Boston and 180 miles from New York City.
The attack brings the total number of mass shootings in the US this year to 389, according to the , which defines such incidents as those in which four or more people are killed or injured, excluding the attacker.