On Saturday afternoon, a tragic shooting incident at Brown University resulted in the deaths of two individuals, with eight others reported in critical but stable condition. The situation unfolded near the Barus & Holley Engineering building on campus, prompting immediate responses from law enforcement and university officials. Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the details during a press briefing, emphasizing that no suspect is currently in custody as authorities continue their search.
In response to the unfolding situation, a shelter-in-place order was enacted for the campus area. The alert was sent to students around 4:20 p.m., warning them of an active shooter near the engineering building. The notification urged students to lock doors, silence their phones, and remain hidden until further notice to ensure their safety.
Following the shooting, Brown University released a statement indicating that they are working diligently to identify those who were present in the building during the incident. The university noted that multiple exams were scheduled in the Barus & Holley Engineering building between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., raising concerns about the potential number of individuals affected.
Former President Donald Trump confirmed that he was briefed about the shooting, and the FBI has been deployed to the scene to assist with the investigation. As the situation remains fluid, the university has provided updates, initially indicating that a suspect was in custody. However, they later clarified that law enforcement is actively searching for the suspect(s) and did not have anyone in custody at that time.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., a report of a secondary shooting near Governor Street emerged, but university officials later indicated that this report was unfounded. As this is a developing story, officials are urging the public and the campus community to stay alert and informed. Updates will continue to be provided as more information becomes available.
This tragic event highlights the ongoing concerns regarding campus safety and the need for comprehensive measures to protect students and staff. As investigations continue, the community is urged to remain vigilant and supportive of one another during this challenging time.