🔴 BREAKING: Manhunt Underway After Deadly Mass Shooting at Brown University; Two Killed, Nine Injured
PROVIDENCE, RI – A massive, city-wide manhunt is currently underway in Providence, Rhode Island, after a mass shooting at Brown University’s engineering building left two people dead and nine others injured. Authorities are urgently seeking a male suspect dressed entirely in black who opened fire inside a classroom where a study group or final exam was taking place.
The tranquil academic atmosphere at Brown University was shattered shortly after 4:00 PM today when initial reports of an active shooter sent federal, state, and local authorities swarming the campus. The incident unfolded in the university’s engineering building, just one week before the start of the winter break.
Two Dead, Nine Wounded in Engineering Building Attack
The shooting tragically resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Nine other people were hurt in the attack; one remains in critical condition, while six others are critical but stable. The victims were reportedly inside a classroom, where a final exam or study group was underway, when the gunman began firing.
Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee addressed the horrific event shortly after, stating his commitment to bringing the perpetrator to justice: “They will catch this individual that has brought harm to so many.”
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Shelter-in-Place and All-Out Manhunt
In the immediate aftermath, an extreme level of police presence descended upon the Brown campus. Faculty and students were immediately instructed to shelter in place, lock doors, silence their phones, and remain hidden for their safety. Brown University sent multiple emergency alerts reinforcing these instructions.
As the hours passed, the lockdown remained in effect for more than five hours. Eventually, buses were seen picking up students who were finally being reunited with their families, but the threat remains active.
The only description of the suspect authorities have released is that of a man dressed all in black. Witnesses reported the gunman walked out of the engineering building after the shooting.
The manhunt has extended throughout the city of Providence. Tactical police crews are staged just outside the campus, and residents and businesses are being asked to check all surveillance footage for any potential sightings of the gunman. As one reporter noted, the mood outside of campus is terrifying, with people keeping their lights off and doors locked.
Suspect Video Released
Moments ago, authorities released the only video footage of the individual they believe is the suspect. The brief video shows a figure dressed all in black walking away. Police say this individual was captured on camera walking on Hope Street and then taking a right turn onto Waterman Street.
Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes this individual or has any information to call them immediately.
Horror and Grief on Campus
The events have caused immense trauma across the university community. Students on campus described watching the events unfold in horror.
One student told the Associated Press that he sat shaking in his dorm room while watching officers in tactical gear surround the building. He expressed deep fear for a friend who was inside the engineering building at the time of the shooting.
Another individual recounted the immediate scramble to safety after the alerts were received: “We got the alerts and then I and others just immediately rushed to the staff to say where are we sheltering? And they told us where to go.” Staff members then went through the building to ensure everyone—including those in the pool and locker rooms—was moved to the most secure areas.
Brown University recently sent a letter to the community calling this a “deeply tragic day” and urging all students and faculty to contact their families immediately to confirm they are safe.
President Trump has been briefed on the situation, calling the mass shooting “a terrible thing.”
