Brown University Shooting: Manhunt Underway

A tragic active shooter incident at Brown University on Saturday, December 13, 2025, has left two people dead and eight injured, according to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. The campus was immediately placed on lockdown as law enforcement launched a massive search for the perpetrator. The incident unfolded during the second day of fall semester final examinations.

The shooting commenced around 4:05 p.m. EST inside the Barus & Holley Engineering building, a central academic facility where numerous students were taking exams. Brown University quickly issued emergency alerts, instructing students and faculty to shelter in place.

Of the ten victims, two have been confirmed deceased, and eight others sustained injuries. Rhode Island Hospital spokesperson Kelly Brennan reported that six of the injured are in critical but stable condition, one is critical, and another is stable. All injured individuals were transported to local hospitals.

The suspect, described by Providence Police Deputy Chief Timothy O'Hara as a male dressed in all black, remains at large. Initial reports from the university and even President Donald Trump suggesting a suspect was in custody were later retracted.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including Providence Police, Brown University Public Safety, the FBI, and ATF agents, are actively involved in the ongoing manhunt. A shelter-in-place order for the campus and surrounding areas remains in effect as authorities continue their search.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed his sorrow, stating that "The unthinkable has happened," and pledged full support to local authorities and victims' families, as reported by news outlets on Saturday. University administrators are convening to mobilize support for the affected community.

The incident has profoundly impacted the Ivy League institution, prompting widespread concern and fear among students, faculty, and the broader Providence community. The university's emergency notification system played a crucial role in alerting those on campus.

• Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, was in the midst of its fall semester final examinations when the shooting occurred. The Barus & Holley building, a seven-story complex housing the School of Engineering and Physics Department, is a busy academic hub with numerous laboratories and classrooms, making it a central location for student activity.

• Key stakeholders involved in the immediate aftermath include Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, who addressed reporters about the unfolding tragedy, and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, who offered state support. Providence Police Deputy Chief Timothy O'Hara provided details on the suspect, while Brown University officials managed campus communications and student safety.

• This incident underscores the persistent challenge of gun violence on university campuses across the United States. It follows another campus shooting earlier in the week at Kentucky State University, which resulted in one fatality and one injury, as noted by Al Jazeera. Such events often lead to reassessments of campus security protocols and emergency preparedness drills.

• The timeline of events began around 4:05 p.m. EST with the initial shooting. Brown University issued its first active shooter alert at 4:15 p.m., urging students to hide or evacuate. Initial, erroneous reports of a suspect being in custody were circulated around 5:00 p.m. but were officially retracted by 5:27 p.m., confirming the suspect was still at large.

• The investigation is actively underway, with police focusing on how the suspect gained entry to the Barus & Holley building. Providence Police Deputy Chief Timothy O'Hara stated that the suspect was last seen escaping on foot through the Hope Street exit. Authorities are also searching for the weapon used in the attack, which has not yet been recovered.

• The shooting has had a profound impact on the Brown University community, causing widespread fear and distress. Students like Alex Bruce, a senior biochemistry student, heard sirens and received alerts while in his dorm, while others hid under desks in nearby labs. The incident has prompted significant concern among parents and the wider Providence community.

• Future developments will likely include a continued intensive manhunt for the suspect, followed by a thorough criminal investigation and potential legal proceedings. The university is expected to review its campus security measures, emergency communication systems, and mental health support services in the wake of this tragedy.