A shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, in the United States, on Saturday afternoon (13th December) left two people dead and eight others injured, officials confirmed. The incident has sent shockwaves across the campus and the city, with the suspect still on the run.
According to authorities, the incident happened at about 4 pm when a shooter dressed in black opened fire outside the Barus and Holley building, which houses Brown University’s School of Engineering and Physics. Final exams were underway inside the building at the time of the attack, and students and faculty were present in large numbers.
A look at the scene on Hope Street by a Brown University engineering building. Officials confirm two people are dead, 8 in critical condition. Shooter is NOT in custody. Shelter in place. I’ll be live throughout the night on @NBC10 pic.twitter.com/ZVil0D9sVl
— John Perik NBC 10 (@johnperiktv) December 14, 2025
Shooter still at large, shelter-in-place issued
Providence Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara says the suspect is believed to be a male dressed entirely in black. After the shooting, the attacker fled the scene on foot, exiting through the Hope Street side of the building. Authorities remain unclear how the suspect initially entered the building or the area before the assault.
A shelter-in-place order has been issued and is in effect for the university campus and the surrounding area. Authorities have advised all persons to remain indoors, lock all doors, and avoid moving around campus until further notice.
Victims rushed to the hospital, while two declared dead on the spot
Providence Fire Department Chief Derek Silva said the two victims who died had been pronounced dead at the scene. Eight others who were wounded had been taken to Rhode Island Hospital, located about two miles from the campus.
Officials described the condition of the injured as critical but stable. “These are the only injuries or casualties we know of at this time,” Silva said, adding that the number could change as the investigation continues.
There had been some confusion earlier in the day when Brown University officials, followed by media reports and even President Donald Trump, all said a suspect was in custody. Authorities later backtracked, saying that it had been a mistake.
In a follow-up message released via its emergency alert system, the university announced Saturday evening (13th December) that although one person had been detained briefly and questioned, that individual was later cleared of suspicion and released as not being the shooting suspect.
President Trump said he had been briefed about the shooting and expressed his concern. “What a terrible thing it is,” he told reporters. “All we can do right now is pray for the victims.”
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley called the incident heartbreaking. “Sadly, today is a day that the city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island prayed would never come,” he said.
Brown University Provost Francis Doyle said campus buildings require card access, but noted that exam hours between 2 pm and 5 pm likely led to heavy foot traffic in the area.
