2 Killed, 8 Critically Injured in Brown University Shooting, FBI Assists Probe

At least two people were killed and eight others critically injured in a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, triggering a massive law enforcement response and a campus-wide shelter-in-place order during final examinations.

The shooting occurred at the university’s engineering complex near the Barus and Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and the physics department. Police said the incident unfolded on the second day of exams, prompting officers to secure multiple campus buildings as the search for the suspect continued for several hours.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said all available resources had been deployed to locate the suspect, who was described as a man dressed in black and last seen leaving the building. Residents in nearby areas were urged to remain indoors and avoid returning home until authorities declare the area safe.

Brown University initially informed students and staff that a suspect was in custody but later corrected the alert, clarifying that police were still searching for a suspect or suspects. Officials later confirmed that an individual who had been briefly detained was found to have no connection to the shooting.

Students and staff recounted moments of fear as emergency alerts were issued. Some students reportedly barricaded themselves inside nearby laboratories, turning off lights and taking cover under desks as police combed the area.

US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the incident and expressed condolences to the victims and their families. In a subsequent statement, he noted that earlier information suggesting a suspect was in custody had been reversed. Vice President JD Vance said federal authorities were closely monitoring the situation and confirmed that the FBI was assisting local law enforcement.

Authorities warned the public to stay away from the campus as the scene remained active, cautioning that details were still preliminary. Police and federal investigators are continuing to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Brown University, an Ivy League institution, has approximately 7,300 undergraduate students and over 3,000 graduate students.