ntroduction We are waking up to heartbreaking news out of Providence, Rhode Island today. What started as a quiet Saturday afternoon during finals week at Brown University turned into chaos when shots rang out at the Barus & Holley Engineering Building.
If you are looking for immediate answers about the Brown University shooting today, here is the reality of the situation right now: Police have confirmed that two people have died, and at least eight others are injured. As of this morning, the suspect—described as a male dressed in all black—is still at large.
This is a developing story, and misinformation spreads fast. Below, we’ve stripped away the rumors to give you the verified facts, safety protocols, and what we know about the victims and the shooter.
Quick Summary: What We Know So Far
Event: Mass shooting at Brown University (Ivy League).
Location: Barus & Holley Engineering Building, Providence, RI.
Time: Reports began approx. 4:05 PM EST, Saturday, Dec 13.
Casualties: 2 confirmed dead; 8 injured (mostly critical but stable).
Suspect Status: AT LARGE. Not in custody.
Current Advisory: Shelter-in-place recommended for immediate area; avoid Thayer Street and Hope Street.
Timeline of the Brown University Shooting
It’s crucial to understand how this unfolded. On Saturday afternoon, students were in the middle of final exams. At approximately 4:05 PM, the Providence Police received the first 911 calls reporting an active shooter at Brown University.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene near the engineering building. Students, who should have been worrying about grades, found themselves barricading doors and hiding under desks. The university’s emergency alert system sent out a terrifying message: “Active Shooter. Run, Hide, Fight.”
By 5:00 PM, heavy police presence from the Providence RI department and state troopers had swarmed the campus. Initially, there were conflicting reports—some news outlets reported a suspect was in custody—but Providence Mayor Brett Smiley later corrected this, confirming the manhunt is still active.
The Victims and The Suspect
The tragedy has left the Ivy League community shaken. Officials have confirmed that two victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Eight others were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. While their names haven’t been released pending family notification, hospital officials state that most are in “critical but stable” condition.
Who is the shooter? Police are hunting for a lone male suspect. He was last seen exiting the Hope Street side of the Barus & Holley building.
Description: Male, wearing all black clothing.
Weapon: Believed to be a handgun (unconfirmed officially).
Direction: Fled on foot.
If you are in Providence, Rhode Island, especially near the university or Thayer Street, do not approach anyone matching this description. Call 911 immediately.
Safety and Campus Response
The Brown University news alert system has been working overtime. All exams scheduled for the remainder of the weekend have obviously been cancelled. The campus remains on a modified lockdown.
Is Brown University Safe Right Now? While the immediate shooting has stopped, the fact that the shooter at Brown University is still free means the threat isn’t zero. The Providence Journal and local news channels like WPRI and Turn to 10 are urging residents to stay vigilant.
For Parents: A family reunification center is being set up (check university official channels for the specific location).
For Students: Counseling services are already being mobilized at the student center.
H2: The Broader Context: School Shootings in 2025
This incident reignites the painful conversation about safety in our schools. It doesn’t matter if it’s a high school or a prestigious institution like an Ivy League university; the vulnerability is the same. The Barus and Holley building, usually a place of innovation and learning, is now a crime scene.
Residents of Providence are asking: How did this happen? Mayor Smiley has promised a full investigation, involving the FBI, to determine how the gunman entered the building and what the motive might have been.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Brown University located? Brown University is located in the College Hill neighborhood of Providence, Rhode Island. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the US.
Is the Brown University suspect in custody? No. As of the latest update on Sunday morning, the suspect remains at large. Police are actively searching the area.
What happened at Brown University on Saturday afternoon? A gunman entered the engineering building during final exams, killing two people and injuring eight others before fleeing the scene.
Is Brown University an Ivy League school? Yes, Brown is a member of the Ivy League, known for its academic excellence, which makes this violence even more shocking to the global academic community.
Conclusion
Our hearts go out to the victims and the entire Brown University family. This is a developing situation. We will update this page as soon as breaking news regarding the suspect’s capture becomes available.
For now, if you are in Providence, stay inside, stay alert, and look out for one another.
