Two people were killed and nine others wounded after a shooter opened fire Saturday afternoon at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, officials said. The shooting took place in the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building, where exams and study groups were scheduled, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and university leaders said.
The incident began about 4:05 p.m. when police were alerted to an active shooter near the engineering building. The university sent a shelter-in-place alert to students and faculty: “Lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice.” Authorities later said the shots occurred in a first-floor classroom.
Hours after the attack, a massive manhunt was underway. Police released video late Saturday of a “person of interest” leaving the engineering building; the individual is wearing dark clothing and his face is not visible. Eyewitnesses said the suspect fled on foot via the Hope Street exit and some reported the person may have been wearing a camouflage mask, though that detail has not been confirmed. Police said building doors had been unlocked because exams were taking place. The firearm used has not been detailed and was not immediately recovered.
The FBI joined the response and launched a tip portal for digital photos and videos at FBI.gov/BrownUniversityShooting. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact police.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson said initial victims were university students and described the day as “deeply tragic.” Of the nine wounded, Rhode Island Hospital reported one in critical condition, six in critical but stable condition, and two in stable condition. Officials later clarified that one of the nine was not shot but was struck by fragments and sought treatment afterward.
The campus remained on lockdown for hours. Mayor Smiley said more than 400 officers were in the area assisting the investigation and securing the community. A perimeter was established around parts of the campus; those sheltering in administrative buildings were to be escorted out by law enforcement when safe. Earlier confusion included an initial university post saying a suspect was in custody; officials later said that person was not involved. A separate reported shooting nearby was also later deemed unfounded.
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee described the attack as “unthinkable” and said he had spoken with President Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel. Officials pledged to pursue and apprehend the individual responsible and to support victims and families.
Investigators continue to piece together how the suspect entered the building and the sequence of events. Authorities asked anyone with tips, photos or video to contact Providence police or submit information through the FBI tip site.