Two Students Killed, Several Injured in Shooting at Brown University During Final Exams

Providence, Rhode Island | December 14 A shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island on Saturday afternoon left at least two people dead and several others critically injured, triggering panic across the campus and prompting an active shooter alert as final examinations were underway. The incident occurred near the Barus & Holley building, which houses the university’s School of Engineering and physics department. According to the Associated Press, Brown University Provost Frank Doyle confirmed that two people were killed and at least eight others were critically injured in the attack.

The shooting reportedly took place while students were attending final exams inside the engineering building, turning what was meant to be a routine academic day into a scene of chaos and fear. Soon after the incident, the university issued an emergency alert asking students and staff to immediately take shelter. The alert urged people to lock doors, silence phones, and stay hidden until further notice. The message also outlined safety instructions, advising individuals to evacuate if it was safe to do so, hide if escape was not possible, and take action only as a last resort to protect themselves. In an initial notification, the university said that a suspect had been taken into custody. However, this information was later corrected.

Brown University clarified that no suspect had been arrested and that police were still actively searching for one or more individuals believed to be involved in the shooting. Reuters reported that Brown University’s president later confirmed that the two people killed in the incident were students. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said there was no immediate reason to believe there were any additional threats linked to the shooting, though authorities remained cautious as the investigation continued. The Barus & Holley building, where the shooting allegedly occurred, is a seven-storey facility with more than 100 laboratories, along with several classrooms and offices. At the time of the incident, the building was occupied by students appearing for exams, increasing concerns about the number of people potentially exposed to danger.

Law enforcement agencies responded quickly to the scene. Brown University said it was coordinating closely with local police, state authorities, and federal agencies. Emergency medical teams were also deployed to provide immediate assistance to the injured and transport them to nearby hospitals. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on social media platform X that FBI personnel were present at the site. He said the agency would provide all necessary support and resources. “Please pray for all those involved. We will update with more information as we are able,” Patel said in his post. As the situation unfolded, the university issued multiple alerts throughout the evening. One notification reported possible additional gunfire near Governor Street, close to the campus, prompting further concern. Law enforcement teams were dispatched to investigate those reports as well.

The latest alert, issued at 5:52 pm local time, stated that the situation was still ongoing and instructed students and staff to continue sheltering in place. Campus officials emphasized that safety remained the top priority and urged everyone to follow instructions from authorities. Kristy DosReis, the chief public information officer for the city of Providence, said police were actively investigating the incident and gathering information from the scene.

She added that officials were working to piece together the sequence of events and identify those responsible. The shooting has shaken the Brown University community, especially as it occurred during a critical academic period. Classes and exams were disrupted, and many students and parents expressed shock and concern over campus safety.