PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A tragic shooting incident occurred at Brown University on Saturday, resulting in at least two fatalities and eight injuries during final exams. The gunman, dressed in black, opened fire in the engineering building of the Ivy League campus, raising alarm among students and faculty as police initiated a manhunt for the suspect.
Authorities reported that the shooting took place shortly after 4 p.m. in the Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and the physics department. Timothy O'Hara, the Deputy Chief of Police, stated the suspect, a male in dark clothing, was last seen fleeing the scene. In response to the incident, Mayor Brett Smiley announced a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area, advising residents to remain indoors until further notice.
Emergency responders transported eight individuals with gunshot wounds to Rhode Island Hospital, where hospital spokesperson Kelly Brennan reported that six of them were in critical but stable condition. An additional person was reported in critical condition, while one was stable. Initially, university officials communicated that a suspect was in custody, but this information was later corrected, revealing the police were still actively searching for the individual involved in the shooting. The mayor also mentioned that an individual initially thought to be connected to the incident was later cleared of any involvement.
Emma Ferraro, a chemical engineering student, recounted her experience during the shooting. While working on a final project in the building's lobby, she heard loud pops that she soon realized were gunshots. Reacting quickly, she fled to a nearby building and remained there for a few hours while law enforcement conducted their search. Another student, Alex Bruce, a senior biochemistry major, described the fear and anxiety that enveloped him as he watched armed officers surround his dormitory across the street from the incident.
Students in a nearby laboratory also shared their experiences of hiding under desks and turning off the lights after receiving alerts about the shooting. One student, Mari Camara, a 20-year-old junior from New York City, sought refuge in a taqueria after hearing about the active shooter situation and spent over three hours inside, unable to leave as police secured the area.
The investigation into the shooting drew a swift response from law enforcement agencies, including assistance from the FBI. President Donald Trump addressed the media, expressing his condolences for the victims and stating that the situation was being monitored closely. He emphasized the importance of prayer for those affected by the tragedy.
Brown University, a prestigious institution with approximately 7,300 undergraduates and over 3,000 graduate students, now faces the aftermath of this harrowing event. As students and faculty come to terms with the shooting, the university community reflects on the profound impact of such violence within an academic setting, particularly amidst the stress of final exams.
