Urgent: Brown University Shooting Leaves 2 Dead, Suspect at Large

BREAKING: A tragic shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has resulted in at least two fatalities, with the shooter still at large as of 7 p.m. ET Saturday. Authorities are urging the community to remain vigilant as they continue their search for the suspect.

Governor Dan McKee expressed his devastation, stating, “The unthinkable has happened.” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that in addition to the two deceased, eight individuals are hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The unfolding events have left the campus and the surrounding community in shock and fear.

Initial alerts were issued by the university at 4:22 p.m., warning students of an active shooter on campus. Students were advised to “lock doors, silence phones, and stay hidden until further notice.” An updated message sent at 5:11 p.m. reiterated the need for sheltering in place.

As the situation developed, Tim O’Hara, deputy chief of Providence police, reported that the suspect is a male dressed in black. Police initially focused their search on the Barus & Holley Engineering building, the site of the first reports of gunfire, but have not yet located the shooter.

The university confirmed the tragic news in a statement around 7 p.m., declaring, “We are very sorry to share that we have confirmed reports of two deceased victims from the active shooting situation at the Barus & Holley engineering building.” The statement also reiterated that the shelter-in-place order remains in effect.

“We know there is a lot of fear and concern and uncertainty in the community right now,” the university said. “Law enforcement is actively working to identify the deceased victims.”

In the wake of the incident, former President Donald Trump tweeted, “God bless the victims and the families of the victims!” He noted that the FBI was on the scene, although a previous statement about a suspect being in custody was later retracted by Brown University Police.

Authorities are urging anyone with information or who was present in the Barus & Holley building at the time of the incident to contact law enforcement. The investigation is ongoing, with officials committed to ensuring the safety of the community as they search for the suspect.

The impact of this devastating incident will resonate deeply within the Brown University community and beyond. As updates continue to unfold, students, faculty, and families are left grappling with the profound effects of this tragedy.

Stay tuned for further updates as law enforcement works to resolve this urgent situation and ensure the safety of all individuals on campus.