Shooting at Brown University: 2 Dead, 8 Critically Injured

UPDATE: A devastating shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has left at least two people dead and eight others critically injured, according to campus officials. This urgent situation unfolded today as students and faculty were warned about an active shooter on campus.

Authorities reported that students were advised to shelter in place, locking doors and silencing phones until further notice. Federal law enforcement, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting local police in the ongoing investigation.

During a press briefing, Providence Deputy Chief of Police Tim O’Hara confirmed that the suspected shooter, described as a male dressed in black, remains at large. “We’re utilizing every resource possible to find this suspect,” O’Hara stated. “Please do not come to the area.”

The shooting occurred at the Barus and Holley building during a critical time when final exams were scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as emergency response teams arrived, performing CPR on victims and transporting the injured to local hospitals.

President Donald Trump expressed his condolences during a press conference at the White House, stating, “All we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt.” Initially, Trump reported that a suspect was in custody, but this was later corrected by local authorities, indicating that no one had been apprehended.

The police confirmed that there was no interaction between law enforcement and the shooter, who fled the scene on foot. Students inside the building described moments of terror, with one doctoral engineering student, Chiangheng Chien, recounting how he and his peers hid in their lab for approximately two hours until they received an evacuation order.

In a critical alert, Brown University officials reported that two individuals have died, and eight are hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Specific details regarding the victims have not been disclosed pending notifications to their families.

Local residents were shocked by the incident, with witnesses recalling the rush of emergency vehicles and the sight of individuals receiving medical attention. “It’s very scary because I don’t want to get harmed and I don’t want my people in my state to get harmed,” said Jib Daya, a Providence resident who witnessed the chaos unfold.

Police also investigated a separate incident involving gunfire a few blocks away, but the connection to the Brown shooting remains unclear. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that local and federal agencies are in close coordination to secure the campus and ensure the safety of the community.

As the situation is still developing, Brown University continues to advise students and staff to shelter in place while authorities conduct a thorough search of the area. The university community is urged to stay alert for further updates regarding safety protocols and support services.

This tragic event at one of the nation’s prestigious universities highlights the urgent need for discussions on campus safety and gun control. The investigation into the motives and details surrounding this shooting is ongoing, with updates expected as law enforcement agencies work diligently to locate the suspect and secure the area.

For further updates, stay tuned to this developing story.