CloseAt least two people have been killed and nine others are wounded after a shooter opened fire on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island Saturday afternoon.
Federal, state and local law enforcement officials are still looking for the suspect, who remains at large six hours after the attack. The university has reported at least two deaths with six people in critical condition while students are barricading themselves in buildings using desks and tables. All of the victims were confirmed to be students.
Officials are looking for a male dressed in black, and released a video of the suspect on Saturday night. Investigators said they do not have images of the suspect entering the building, nor do they have an image of the suspect’s face.
Brown’s campus is on lockdown, and Providence officials have asked students and residents to shelter in place and reach out to the police with any information.
Students at the Ivy League university in Rhode Island received an emergency text message alerting them to a shooter near the Barus & Holley building near Hope Street around 4:20 p.m. The university is telling students to lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice, or run, hide or fight as a last resort.
President Donald Trump and other officials have been briefed on the shooting are monitoring it for updates. The FBI and ATF are currently on the scene.
Brown freshman: "We saw the cop lights. Then we knew."
Brown University freshman Shiney Mayanja told CNN about the moment she realized the shooting threat at Brown University was real.
“We didn’t really think about this seriously until we saw more messages and saw people running outside. We saw the cop lights. Then we knew,” Mayanja told the broadcaster.
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 03:15
Investigators found shell casing at shooting scene
Investigators have recovered shell casings from the scene of the Brown University mass shooting.
“Yes, it’s shell casings, but we’re not going to release any specific information about that type of evidence,” Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said during a 9:30 pm press conference.
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 03:04
Brown University president confirms all victims were Brown University students
Brown University President Catherine Paxson confirmed that all of the people injured in Saturday night’s mass shooting at Brown University were students.
“Our focus right now is on supporting the families who have been affected by this, families of the two students who sadly lost their lives today,” as well as the eight other students who are recovering at Rhode Island Hospital, she said during a press conference on Saturday night.
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 03:01
Congressman Seth Magaziner issues statement after Brown University shooting
Congressman Seth Magaziner released the following statement on Saturday night:
“I am deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred today on Brown University’s campus and am praying for the victims and their families. It is devastating that this tragedy struck so close to home today, targeting innocent members of the Brown Community as they prepared to head home for the holidays.
I am grateful to the law enforcement and first responders who courageously responded to the scene and continue to work to find the shooter. I am in close contact with university and local officials to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of students and nearby residents. I urge everyone in the area to follow guidance from local law enforcement.”
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 02:59
Outer doors to Brown University Barus and Holley building were unlocked due to finals
The exterior doors at the Barus and Holley engineering building at Brown University, where Saturday’s mass shooting occurred, were unlocked because finals were in progress.
Neither police nor Brown University President Christine Paxson could say what the students who were in the classroom at the time of the shooting were doing in the classroom.
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 02:55
Shelter-in-place order remains as of 9:30 press conference
Residents in the Brown University are still under a shelter-in-place order. Police have still not arrested a suspect, but have captured an image of a suspect in video footage.
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 02:50
Law enforcement releases a video of the suspect
Law enforcement said it will release a video of the Brown University shooting suspect at the close of a 9:30 pm press conference.
The suspect’s face is not visible in the video. Police do not have video of the suspect entering the building, but they captured him leaving. Providence Police Commander Tim O’Hara has asked for anyone who knows anything about the suspect to call in to the department.
He confirmed that the shooting occurred on the first floor of the campus engineering building and primarily happened in a single class room.
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 02:49
One additional person wounded; governor talks to Trump and Patel
Local officials confirmed at a 9:30 press conference that a ninth person is in the hospital from wounds sustained in the shooting. That individual was not shot but was hurt by shrapnel caused by the shooting. They have non life-threatening injuries.
Governor Dan McKee said he has spoken with FBI Director Kash Patel and President Donald Trump, and said they have both offered federal assistance to Rhode Island investigators and emergency responders.
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 02:45
Rhode Island governor says security review will be conducted in the wake of the shooting
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee told CNN that state authorities would conduct a review of Brown University campus buildings to make sure they are safe enough for students. He said that review would occur some time after the active situation is under control.
“Everything needs to be looked at on a daily basis and we do that, and we prepare for emergencies,” McKee said. “This is no exception… Until we actually know more, it’s difficult to make comment in terms of whether the situation was as safe as it should be, but we’ll follow up.”
Graig Graziosi14 December 2025 02:40
Statement from Congressman Gabe Amo
Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo issued the following statement on Saturday evening:
“My thoughts are with the Brown University and Providence communities, and our extended Rhode Island family tonight. The loss of two lives is an unimaginable tragedy for their families. I am praying for the swift recovery of the victims that are currently hospitalized.
Thank you to law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals who arrived to the scene so quickly. I wish them safety as they work to apprehend whomever is responsible for this shooting.
This is an active, evolving situation, so if you are on campus or in the neighborhoods nearby continue to shelter in place and follow instructions from local authorities. If you have information or security camera footage, call 911.
The scourge of mass shootings is a horrific stain on our nation. We must seek policies to ensure that these tragedies do not strike yet another community and no more lives are needlessly taken from us.
There are difficult days ahead, but we are stronger when we look out for one another.”
