Brown University Students Shelter in Place During Campus Shooting; Police Hunt Continues

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Students at Brown University barricaded themselves inside classrooms, dormitories and campus offices on the afternoon of Dec. 15, 2025, after gunfire erupted on the Ivy League campus, according to accounts released by local authorities. The episode set off an extensive police response and an ongoing manhunt for the shooter, who remained at large as of late Monday evening.

Brown University’s Department of Public Safety issued an initial alert at approximately 2:15 p.m., warning the campus community of an active shooter near the Ruth J. Simmons Quadrangle. Witnesses told investigators they heard several shots in rapid succession, followed by a brief pause and additional gunfire. Within minutes, university officials instructed anyone on campus to shelter in place and silence mobile phones.

Students who were inside the Sciences Library at the time of the attack described moving heavy tables against doors, turning off lights and huddling under desks as sirens approached. “We stayed quiet and waited for texts from our friends to see if everyone was safe,” one sophomore recounted to investigators. Similar scenes unfolded across campus buildings, including the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs and multiple residence halls.

The Providence Police Department arrived on scene alongside university officers within ten minutes of the first 911 calls, according to an official timeline later provided by Acting Police Chief Manuel Perez. Officers conducted a room-by-room search of several academic buildings and escorted groups of students to secure areas before initiating a controlled evacuation. Authorities did not release information on injuries or fatalities, noting that the primary focus remains locating the suspect.

At 4:30 p.m., police distributed security camera video showing a person of interest walking near the Simmons Quadrangle minutes before the shooting. The footage depicts a male individual wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, khaki pants and carrying a black backpack. Investigators requested the public’s assistance in identifying the individual and provided a dedicated tip line for information.

Later in the evening, Providence Police confirmed that the person of interest seen in the video had been located, interviewed and released. Detectives stated that, based on preliminary findings, the individual is not believed to be the shooter. “He cooperated fully and supplied documentation that accounted for his movements,” Chief Perez said in a brief statement. With no suspect in custody, the manhunt has expanded to neighboring jurisdictions, including Pawtucket and Cranston.

Former President Donald Trump, speaking at an unrelated event in New Hampshire, fielded questions about the campus incident. He characterized the situation as “a school problem” and said he expected university administrators to work closely with law enforcement. Trump did not offer further comment on federal involvement.

Brown University canceled all classes, athletic events and on-campus gatherings through at least Wednesday. In a message to students and staff, Interim President Richard Locke urged anyone who may have filmed or witnessed the shooting to provide video or statements to police. Counseling services have been made available at the Stephen Robert ’62 Campus Center for students affected by the lockdown.

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Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive, the type of firearm used or whether the shooter had any connection to the university. Crime scene technicians spent several hours collecting shell casings and other physical evidence from the quadrangle and adjacent walkways. Forensic teams are also reviewing additional surveillance footage from campus cameras and nearby businesses.

The Providence Police Department asked local residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Details on the department’s investigative procedures can be found on the Providence Police Department website. Investigators said they are coordinating with Rhode Island State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is assisting with behavioral analysis and digital forensics.

As night fell, university officials lifted the shelter-in-place order but advised students to return to their residences and avoid unnecessary travel. Campus security personnel increased patrols, and entrances to most academic buildings will remain restricted to ID card access until further notice.

Anyone with information about the shooting, including eyewitness accounts or mobile phone recordings, is urged to contact Providence Police at 401-421-1111 or submit tips anonymously through the department’s online portal.

Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live