Police Search for Gunman After Shooting at Brown University Leaves Two Dead

Authorities in Providence, Rhode Island, are conducting an extensive manhunt after a gunman opened fire inside Brown University’s Barus & Holley engineering and physics building on Saturday, 13 December 2025. The attack killed two people and wounded nine others, prompting an immediate campus lockdown that continued into the night.

According to city officials, the first emergency call reached police at approximately 4:05 p.m. ET, reporting shots fired near the engineering complex on Waterman Street. The university’s alert system quickly instructed students and staff to lock doors, silence phones and shelter in place. Exams had been scheduled in multiple classrooms from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and police later confirmed the shooting occurred inside a first-floor classroom. Investigators have not clarified whether the victims were taking an exam or participating in a separate study session.

Rhode Island Hospital received all nine injured victims. Hospital representatives said one patient was in critical condition, six were listed as critical but stable, and two were stable. A ninth individual reached the hospital later in the evening with fragment injuries rather than gunshot wounds. University President Christina H. Paxson stated during a briefing that initial information indicated the deceased and most of the wounded were Brown students, although officials were still verifying the status of the last injured person.

Police released surveillance footage shortly before midnight showing a person of interest leaving the engineering building moments after the gunfire stopped. The individual is dressed in dark clothing, and his face is obscured. Witnesses told investigators that the suspect fled on foot through the Hope Street exit and may have worn a camouflage mask, though that detail remains unconfirmed. Detectives have not recovered the firearm and have yet to determine how the shooter entered the building. Entry doors were unlocked to accommodate scheduled exams.

More than 400 local, state and federal officers converged on the Ivy League campus to secure the area and assist with the investigation. Law enforcement established a perimeter encompassing several residence halls and academic facilities. Students in dormitories inside the perimeter were instructed to remain indoors, while those sheltering elsewhere were escorted out by police teams. Late Saturday, university officials reiterated that the shelter-in-place order would stay active until authorities deemed the area safe.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee characterized the incident as “unthinkable” during an evening news conference and pledged full state resources to the investigation. McKee said he spoke with President Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel to coordinate federal support. Providing an additional avenue for information, the FBI launched a dedicated portal for photos, videos and tips related to the shooting. Citizens can submit material through the agency’s public tip site at tips.fbi.gov.

Initial reports led university administrators to announce a suspect was in custody, but Providence Mayor Brett Smiley later clarified that the individual detained was not involved. A separate alert about a possible second shooting near Governor Street was likewise investigated and determined to be unfounded.

Imagem: Internet

The attack unfolded as students prepared for final examinations at the end of the fall semester, heightening concerns about campus security. President Paxson, in a message circulated to the Brown community, described the day as “deeply tragic” and said support services had been mobilized for students and families. She emphasized that full details would be shared as soon as investigators could provide verified information.

Authorities have not released the names of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. Detectives continue to review security camera footage, interview witnesses and analyze physical evidence recovered from the scene. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Providence Police Department or use the FBI tip portal.

While the immediate search for the gunman continues, university officials said academic operations remain suspended until further notice. Residents living near the campus have been asked to stay indoors, monitor official updates and report any suspicious activity.

Crédito da imagem: Jen McDermott/AP