Chicago – December 14, 2025
A tragic shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday afternoon resulted in the deaths of two people and left nine others injured, according to city and university officials. The incident occurred during final exam period, sending shockwaves through the campus community and prompting a large-scale police response.
What Happened at Brown University?
The shooting took place around 4 p.m. ET outside the Barus and Holley building, a facility that houses Brown’s School of Engineering and Physics Department. At the time of the incident, students were inside the building taking final exams, Brown University Provost Francis Doyle confirmed.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Providence Fire Department Chief Derek Silva. Eight others who sustained gunshot wounds were transported to Rhode Island Hospital, located approximately two miles from campus.
In addition to those victims, a ninth injured person was later identified. Mayor Brett P. Smiley said this individual did not suffer a direct gunshot wound but was injured by a fragment. Their injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and it remains unclear whether they required hospitalization.
Victims’ Conditions Update
During a Sunday morning press conference, Mayor Smiley provided an update on the victims’ conditions. Of the nine injured:
- Seven are in stable condition
- One remains in critical but stable condition
- One has been discharged from the hospital
Brown University President Christina Paxson stated that at least 10 of the 11 people shot were students, underscoring the devastating impact on the university community.
Suspect Information and Police Response
Authorities confirmed Sunday that police have detained a “person of interest” in connection with the Brown University shooting. However, law enforcement officials have not released the individual’s identity or any additional details at this time.
Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara said that investigators had been searching for a suspect described as “a male dressed in black.” According to police, the suspect fled the scene on foot, exiting through the Hope Street side of the Barus and Holley building. It remains unclear how the suspect initially entered the building.
Police also released a brief video showing the suspected shooter leaving the area. Mayor Smiley noted that the footage does not clearly show the suspect’s face.
Campus Safety and Ongoing Investigation
Following the shooting, Brown University authorities, in coordination with local police, issued a shelter-in-place order for the campus. Early Sunday morning, officials announced that the shelter-in-place advisory had been lifted for the entire campus. However, certain areas remain restricted as active crime scenes while the investigation continues.
As a precautionary and supportive measure, Brown University has canceled final exams. University officials emphasized that student safety remains their top priority and that counseling and support services are being made available.
National Response
President Donald Trump said Saturday night that he had been briefed on the shooting. The incident adds to ongoing national conversations around campus safety and gun violence in the United States.
A Community in Mourning
The Brown University shooting has left students, faculty, and residents of Providence grappling with grief and uncertainty. As investigators work to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack, university and city leaders continue to provide updates and support to those affected.
This is a developing story, and authorities have indicated that more information will be released as it becomes available.
