Shooting at Brown University Engineering Building Leaves Multiple Casualties
Shooting Reported at Brown University Campus
A shooting at the engineering building near the Barus & Holley complex at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, left at least two people dead and eight critically injured on Saturday, according to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley. The incident occurred on the Ivy League campus during the second day of final exams.
Search Underway for Suspect
Law enforcement officers searched buildings across the Brown University campus for more than two hours after the shooting was reported. Timothy O'Hara, Deputy Chief of Police, stated that the suspect was a male dressed in black who was last seen leaving the building where the shooting took place. Police continued to look for a suspect or suspects as the investigation progressed.
Shelter-in-Place Ordered Around Campus
Mayor Brett Smiley announced that a shelter-in-place order was in effect for the area around Brown University. He urged people living near the campus to stay inside and advised those away from home not to return until the order was lifted. Smiley said that authorities were using all available resources to locate the suspect.
Initial Detention and Clarification by Authorities
Brown University officials initially informed students and staff that a suspect was in custody. Later, the university clarified through its emergency notification system that this was not the case and that police were still searching for a suspect or suspects. Mayor Smiley said that a person who was preliminarily thought to be involved had been detained but was later determined to have no involvement in the shooting.
Location and Academic Activity at Time of Incident
The shooting took place near the Barus & Holley building, a seven-story complex that houses Brown University's School of Engineering and physics department. According to the university's website, the building contains more than 100 laboratories, numerous classrooms, and offices. Engineering design exams were underway in the building when the shooting occurred.
Student Response Inside Campus Facilities
Chiangheng Chien, a doctoral engineering student who was about a block from the scene, said that students in a nearby lab hid under desks and turned off the lights after receiving an alert about the shooting. Students and others on campus were urged to shelter in place as police responded.
Official Warnings and Active Investigation
Authorities instructed people to avoid the area around the engineering building while the situation remained active. A police officer warned members of the media to take cover in vehicles because the scene was still considered dangerous. Kristy DosReis, the chief public information officer for the city of Providence, said that police were actively investigating and continuing to gather information from the scene. The FBI stated that it was assisting in the response.
Statements from Local and National Figures
Providence Councilmember John Goncalves, whose ward includes the Brown University campus, said that officials were telling people to lock their doors and remain vigilant while information was still being collected. Former President Donald Trump stated in the afternoon that he had been briefed on the shooting and posted a message offering blessings to the victims and their families.
University Profile
Brown University is a private institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, with roughly 7,300 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate students. Officials emphasized that information about the shooting remained preliminary as investigators worked to determine the sequence of events and confirm details.