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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Ariana Baio and Graig Graziosi

Brown University shooting latest: Two dead and nine wounded as suspect remains at large

Brown University Brown (Organization) Graig Graziosi Brett Smiley University Providence United States Police Rhode Island Dan McKee

At 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 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 brief video of the suspect late 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 and Holley engineering building near Hope Street around 4:20 p.m. The university told 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.

Key Points

  • Ninth person was wounded with non life-threatening injuries
  • Video shows suspect in all black rounding a corner after shooting
  • University says police do not have a suspect is in custody
  • Two dead and eight injured, Providence mayor says
  • Brown University president: 'A deeply tragic day'

Rhode Island governor says security review will be conducted in the wake of the shooting

06:30 , Graig Graziosi

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.”

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley warns against social media misinformation concerning Brown University shooting

06:00 , Graig Graziosi

WATCH: Police release video of suspect involved in Brown University shooting

05:45 , Graig Graziosi

No press briefings scheduled overnight

05:40 , Graig Graziosi

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told reporters late on Saturday not to expect any additional briefings during the overnight hours of Sunday morning.

He said that an impromptu briefing could be called if there is a major development in the investigation.

Providence residents will see elevated police presence around the city on Sunday

05:30 , Graig Graziosi

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told reporters on Saturday night that there would be an “enhanced and visible” police presence in the city on Sunday.

He told residents not to cancel their Sunday plans, but warned them that law enforcement personnel would still be very visible as the hunt for the Brown University mass shooting suspect continues.

Brown University shooting: Two people dead and multiple people shot as police search for suspect

05:25 , Graig Graziosi

Two students are dead and at least nine others are injured after a gunman fired into a classroom at a prestigious Ivy League university in Rhode Island and appeared to walk off campus without a trace.

Saturday’s mass shooting at Brown University in Providence forced campus buildings and parts of the city into lockdown, with students barricading themselves in buildings for hours while hundreds of law enforcement officers swarmed the city.

The suspect appeared to have escaped before police arrived and — except for one brief surveillance video showing a person dressed in black rounding a corner outside the campus — all but disappeared.

READ MORE:

Two dead and suspect on the loose after mass shooting at Brown University

Providence mayor tells locals not to cancel their Sunday plans

05:15 , Graig Graziosi

After a more than six hour lockdown — and with a suspect still at large — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley told locals that they should not cancel their Sunday plans.

“We at this time are not recommending that those events be cancelled. It’s a personal choice whether you want to cancel your holiday party but we do not think it is necessary,” he said.

Smiley said he does not have reason to believe there is a persistent threat in the area.

“We do believe you can safely go to church in the morning,” he said.

Professor describes scene inside Brown University classroom where Saturday's shooting occurred

04:59 , Graig Graziosi

Rachel Friedberg, a Brown economics professor, told Ocean State Media that the mass shooting at Brown University occurred in her classroom. She was not in the room at the time, but was given details from her teaching assistant.

“The room has stadium seating with doors that enter at the top,” Friedberg said. “He said that the shooter came in the doors, yelled something — he couldn’t remember what he yelled — and started shooting.”

“Students started to scramble to try to get away from the shooter, trying to get lower down in the stadium seating, and people got shot.”

Brown University cancels finals for tomorrow

04:47 , Graig Graziosi

Brown University Provost Frank Doyle confirmed that final exams will be canceled for tomorrow.

"At this time, we will not be having final exams tomorrow," he said.

Saturday’s shooting reportedly occurred during a final exam review.

Mapped: 2 killed, 9 injured at Brown University

04:37 , Alex Woodward

'No useful video' from inside building, mayor says

04:28 , Alex Woodward

Officials have uncovered “no useful video” from inside the building where the gunman fired into a classroom where students were preparing for exams, according to Mayor Brett Smiley.

The only images of a suspect that emerged seven hours after the shooting appear in a brief video of a figure dressed in all black walking away from the scene. The person’s face is not visible.

Shelter in place remains in effect, mayor says

04:20 , Alex Woodward

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley says a shelter in place order remains in effect for much of the East Side, and there will be increased law enforcement presence through Sunday.

The mayor is not suggesting that church services and other events cancel or postpone.

He does not have any updates on the investigation, and a gunman remains on the loose after apparently vanishing from campus after killing two people and injuring at least nine others.

FBI launches website and hotline for tips

04:17 , Alex Woodward

The FBI is collecting video evidence and tips after the mass shooting at Brown, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced at a final press conference Saturday night.

The FBI launched fbi.gov/brownuniversityshooting and a dedicated hotline at 401-652-5767.

Student who survived high school shooting in 2019 was on campus during Brown attack

04:08 , Alex Woodward

Brown University junior Mia Tretta was wounded in a school shooting at her high school in Santa Clarita, California, in 2019, she told NBC News.

She was at the university when she began to receive a wave of text messages and alerts about an active shooter on campus.

“No one in this country even assumes it’s going to happen to them," she told the outlet. “Once it happens to you, you assume or are told it will never happen again. And obviously that is not the case.”

She said her community at Brown is “in shambles” after the attack.

After she survived the 2019 attack, “I have not been the same person I was that day ever again, and I assume it won't be any different for the students at Brown,” she said.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Video shows suspect in all black rounding a corner after shooting

04:01 , Alex Woodward

Providence authorities have released a brief video they say shows the suspect leaving the building after a mass shooting on campus.

Parkland survivor attending Brown University survives second mass shooting

03:48 , Graig Graziosi

Zoe Weissman, 20, survived the Parkland mass shooting and has now survived a second mass shooting while attending Brown University.

She told MS NOW that she is “really angry.”

“I’m really angry. I’m really angry that this is happening to me all over again. And I’m just in shock,” she said.

Providence has extremely low homicide rate

03:27 , Graig Graziosi

Providence, with a population of 200,000, had only two homicides in 2025 until the Brown University mass shooting on Saturday night.

In 2024, the city recorded 11 homicides.

Brown freshman: "We saw the cop lights. Then we knew."

03:15 , Graig Graziosi

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.

Investigators found shell casing at shooting scene

03:04 , Graig Graziosi

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.

Brown University president confirms all victims were Brown University students

03:01 , Graig Graziosi

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.

Congressman Seth Magaziner issues statement after Brown University shooting

02:59 , Graig Graziosi

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.”

Outer doors to Brown University Barus and Holley building were unlocked due to finals

02:55 , Graig Graziosi

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.

Shelter-in-place order remains as of 9:30 press conference

02:50 , Graig Graziosi

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.

Law enforcement releases a video of the suspect

02:49 , Graig Graziosi

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.

One additional person wounded; governor talks to Trump and Patel

02:45 , Graig Graziosi

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.

Rhode Island governor says security review will be conducted in the wake of the shooting

02:40 , Graig Graziosi

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.”

Statement from Congressman Gabe Amo

02:33 , Graig Graziosi

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.”

Wedding — including bride and groom — are in lockdown after Brown University mass shooting

02:30 , Graig Graziosi

Local broadcaster WPRI reports that a wedding was in progress near the Brown University campus around the time of the shooting on Saturday. Wedding guests — as well as the bride and groom — have reportedly been locked down at the venue for more than five hours.

Gun violence organization Everytown for Gun Safety responds to Brown University mass shooting

02:25 , Graig Graziosi

Everytown for Gun Safety issued the following statement on Saturday night:

“Students on college campuses should be preparing for final exams and winter break — not enduring yet another all too familiar tragedy caused by gun violence,” John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, said. “While we await details, one thing is clear: today’s shooting at Brown University is another unacceptable reminder of our nation’s gun violence crisis. We either take action, or we bury more of our kids.

Our hearts are breaking for the Brown University community as they grapple with yet another deadly school shooting in America, ” said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. “No student should ever receive an alert telling them to run, hide, and fight just to survive on campus. This is not normal, it is not acceptable, and our students deserve action that ends gun violence — not instructions on how to endure a tragedy that never should have happened.”

Boston Red Sox on Brown University shooting

02:20 , Graig Graziosi

The Boston Red Sox offered the following comment in response to the mass shooting at Brown University:

"Our Red Sox family is thinking of everyone at Brown University tonight,” the team said on X.

"This act of violence has shaken a cherished part of our New England community. We're with the students, the faculty, their loved ones, and all who are feeling the weight of tonight."

Report: Brown student's brother was shot in the thigh

02:10 , Graig Graziosi

The Washington Post spoke to Max McCord, a Brown University junior, who said his girlfriend — another student at the school — told him her brother had been shot through his thigh.

She reportedly called him at 4:15 to tell him about her brother’s injury. The student reportedly said her brother had been studying in the engineering building when the suspect began shooting.

McCord, who is from Pittsburgh, said his girlfriend’s brother was in the hospital but was recovering well.

He said that while he was talking to his girlfriend, his roommate burst into their room, winded, as he’d been running after he heard gun shots.

The young men have been locked down ever since.

Brown U student describes "chaos and a lot of fear" around campus

02:10 , Graig Graziosi

Sophia Holman, a Brown University student, told CNN that “everyone’s pretty on edge” at the campus, but also noted there was some sense of peace knowing law enforcement was responding in force to find the suspect and secure the school.

“There’s a lot of chaos and a lot of fear right now, but I think there’s also a lot of trust, trust that [police] were there as quickly as they were, and that, you know, the medical staff are doing everything that they can for everyone that was injured.”

Parkland shooting survivor David Hogg responds to Brown University mass shooting

02:04 , Graig Graziosi

Hogg said the following in a thread on X:

“Shootings like the one that happened today at Brown and the ones that happen every single day in this country are not inevitable. It does not have to be this way. The only reason it is this way is because of our leaders refusal to do anything substantial.

Even if you completely disagree with me we have to agree there is stuff we can do even if small to address this crisis that no sane person wants to continue. If after every shooting we decided to just do something even if it was small we could massively reduce gun violence.

As always I’m happy to meet with any republican who wants to do something about this. I can respect people who don’t agree but I can’t accept there’s nothing we can do when we all do agree this crisis has to be addressed. I’m not just talking mass shootings either I’m talking gun suicide, daily gun violence, unintentional shootings, all of it. We can decide to do something or we can continue to debate this.”

WATCH: Brown sophomore describes sheltering in place during shooting

02:01 , Graig Graziosi

Updates expected around 9:30 pm

01:55 , Graig Graziosi

Officials in Providence are reportedly going to provide an update around 9:30 pm local time.

Congressman Seth Magaziner recalls happy memories of Brown, offers sympathies in wake of tragedy

01:50 , Graig Graziosi

Brown University: campus still on lockdown

01:48 , Graig Graziosi

Brown University issued the following statement on Saturday night:

“The Brown campus continues to be in lockdown, and it is imperative that all members of our community remain sheltered in place. This means keeping all doors locked and ensuring no movement across campus. The law enforcement response remains ongoing. Safety is the utmost and essential priority.”

Roger Williams Park Zoo closes holiday lights exhibit after shooting

01:45 , Graig Graziosi

The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island announced that it was closing it’s holiday lights exhibit for the remainder of the evening as the Brown University mass shooting suspect remains at large.

The shooter has been on the loose for more than four hours as of this post.

Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed: "Whoever did this must be captured"

01:42 , Graig Graziosi

“We are heartbroken for the victims, their families, and all those impacted," Senator Jack Reed said in a statement on Saturday night.

He described the Brown University mass shooting as a “horrific, active, and unfolding tragedy."

"Every lead is being followed, every bit of video evidence reviewed, and the manhunt will relentlessly continue," Reed said. "Whoever did this must be captured and our efforts will not cease until justice is served."

Incoming New York City Mayor issues statement in wake of Brown University mass shooting

01:40 , Graig Graziosi

Incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued the following post on X on Saturday night:

“Two people were killed this evening at Brown University by a gunman who remains at large. Eight others are injured, fighting for their lives in a nearby hospital,” he wrote. “This senseless violence—once considered unfathomable—has become nauseatingly normal to all of us across our nation.”

WATCH: Aerial view of Brown University after reported active shooter

01:35 , Graig Graziosi

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse comments on Brown University mass shooting

01:33 , Graig Graziosi

Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on the Brown University mass shooting:

“Praying for the victims and their families. My heart breaks for the students who were looking forward to a holiday break and instead are dealing with another horrifying mass shooting, this time in our own Providence community,” he wrote.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responds to Brown University mass shooting

01:30 , Graig Graziosi

“Praying for all those affected and thinking of the people of Providence & the Brown community as we follow this dreadful news. We must never accept that such violence happens at all, let alone routinely, in our country,” he wrote.

Secret Service is providing support in Providence

01:25 , Graig Graziosi

The U.S. Secret Service is providing assistance to the ongoing mass shooting response and manhunt near Brown University in Providence.

USSS Director Sean Curran confirmed on X that his personnel have been instructed to join the efforts.

“We are saddened to learn of the senseless act of violence at Brown University. I’ve instructed our Secret Service personnel in Providence to provide any and all support needed,” Curran said on X.

Both the FBI and the ATF are already on-scene in Providence.

Police presence heavy outside rock show near Brown University

01:20 , Graig Graziosi

There is a heavy police presence outside the Amica Mutual Pavilion venue in Providence tonight, where a Goose rock concert is occurring this evening.

The venue seats 14,000.

The suspect in the Brown University shooting is still on the loose. Police are hunting the suspect and appear to be securing the area near the concert out of an abundance of caution.

A shelter-in-place order is still in effect for the region. Some local venues, including bars and nightclubs, are closing early as a result, according to NBC 10 WJAR.

Buffalo Bills team is in downtown Providence, is sheltering-in-place

01:15 , Graig Graziosi

According to sports reporter Dianna Russini, the Buffalo Bills football team is in downtown Providence tonight, and is sheltering-in-place following the mass shooting at Brown University.

Heavy police presence outside Brown University following mass shooting: photos

01:10 , Graig Graziosi

A law enforcement official carries a rifle in a neighborhood near Brown University, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Providence, R.I. during the investigation of a shooting. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (AP)
Police arrive at the scene in Providence, R.I., on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, during the investigation of a shooting. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell) (AP)
Emergency personnel gather on Waterman Street at Brown University in Providence, R.I., on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, during the investigation of a shooting. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell) (AP)

Brown student says she heard "five or six" shots on campus

01:00 , Graig Graziosi

Katie Sun, a Brown University student studying in the building where Saturday’s mass shooting occurred, told CNN’s “Newsroom” that she heard the suspect shooting.

She said she heard “five or six” gunshots, and fled toward her dorm room to shelter. Sun is currently on lockdown in her room.

“We run out there and like, everybody is running. It was so scary,” she told CNN, adding, “I was thankfully able to get into my dorm safely.”

Brown shooting victims: update

00:53 , Graig Graziosi

Eight people injured in the Brown University mass shooting on Saturday were rushed to Rhode Island hospital for treatment.

The hospital told CNN that six of the patients are in critical but stable condition. One patient remains in critical condition, and another patient is in stable condition.

The facility said it “is working closely with and providing support to all impacted family members, and remains in continuous communication with Brown University.”

Brown University President: "A deeply tragic day for Brown"

00:49 , Graig Graziosi

Brown University President Christina Paxson sent the following letter to the Brown University community:

Dear Brown Community,

This is a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families and our local community. There are truly no words that can express the deep sorrow we are feeling for the victims of the shooting that took place today at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building.

We lost two community members today who were fatal victims of the shooting, and at this point, we know there are at least eight additional victims who were transported to the hospital. In this moment, they are in critical but stable condition, but this is an evolving situation. Our hearts are with their families.

Our Department of Public Safety has been working closely with law enforcement and has been informed that the suspect is still at large and the situation remains active. We know this is a source of tremendous fear and anxiety across our community right now. While DPS was at one point informed that there was an individual in custody, that person was determined not to be the shooting suspect after questioning. Therefore, we urge all members of our community to remain vigilant.

We continue to be in lockdown, and it is imperative that all members of our community remain sheltered in place. This means keeping all doors locked and ensuring no movement across campus.

We know our community wants answers, and we will provide them as soon as we can. For now, please know we are doing all we can to keep our community safe and have mobilized support for the students and their families. I encourage you to read the updates being provided via the RAVE alert system and Brown.edu website about this emergency. We are committed to providing updates as soon as information is available.

As we have shared in the alerts, law enforcement is actively working to identify the community members who lost their lives, and we are working with local hospitals to identify those transported for care. Even when we have that information, we may not be able to release it to our campus immediately. Whether or not you spend any time in Barus & Holley, I ask all students, faculty and staff to please be in touch directly with your families to let them know you are safe. They are worried about you.

This is a day that we hoped never would come to our community. It is deeply devastating for all of us. We are grateful to law enforcement for their immediate response and their ongoing work to ensure the safety of our community. Please continue to take all steps to be safe.

Trump on Brown shooting: "What a terrible thing"

00:46 , Graig Graziosi

Police say they do not know what kind of gun was used in shooting

00:43 , Graig Graziosi

Providence Police Chief Tim O’Hara told reporters that investigators do not know what kind of gun was use in the shooting at Brown University that left two people dead and eight others injured.

He said all they knew was that it was a firearm.

Brown University confirms the situation is ongoing, says shelter-in-place order remains in effect

00:34 , Graig Graziosi

Brown University student says he and cohort hid under their desks for approximately two hours during shooting

00:33 , Graig Graziosi

Chang-heng Chien, 32, a PhD student at Brown University, told the Providence Journal he was working in a lab with three other students when they received an alert from the school that an active shooting had occurred approximately a block from their location.

He said he and the others turned off the lights in the lab, locked the room’s door, and hid under their desks for approximately two hours until they heard police outside the room.

They allowed the police to enter and were evacuated safely from the university building.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a survivor of gun violence, issues statement on Brown shooting

00:28 , Graig Graziosi

“My heart breaks for Brown University. I’m grateful for the first responders on the scene and am praying for the victims, survivors, and their families,” former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords said. “Students should only have to worry about studying for finals right now, not hiding from gunfire. Guns are the leading cause of death for young people in America – this is a five alarm fire and our leaders in Washington have ignored it for too long. Americans are tired of waiting around for Congress to decide that protecting kids matters.”

Gifford, who formerly represented Arizona in the U.S. Congress from 2006-2012, was shot in the head on January 8, 2011. Six people were killed in the shooting incident and 12, including the congresswoman, were injured.

She has since been an outspoken advocate against gun violence.

Providence police are "confident" there is only one suspect

00:20 , Graig Graziosi

Providence Police Commander Tim O’Hara said he is “confident” based on the information he has that only one suspect was involved in the mass shooting at Brown University on Saturday night.

The suspect is still at large, and was described as a male wearing black clothes.

New England Patriots "heartbroken" by shooting at Brown

00:19 , Graig Graziosi

The New England Patriots issued a statement in the wake of the shooting at Brown University:

Police ask residents to review doorbell, security cameras for signs of shooting suspect

00:10 , Graig Graziosi

Providence Police Commander Tim O’Hara asked individuals living in the vicinity of Brown University to check any exterior-facing cameras at their homes for any signs of a fleeing suspect.

He said the suspect is a male who was wearing black. No further information is available about the suspect at this time.

A shelter in place order is in effect for the area around the university.

East Providence mayor says local law enforcement held active shooter drill 18 months ago

00:05 , Graig Graziosi

East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said local law enforcement held an active shooting drill in a closed school 18 months ago.

“The city of Providence conducted an active shooter drill, a live drill at a closed school about 18 months ago with not just police but fire emergency management and the other various departments and city government that are responding,” DaSilva said.

“This is a sad state of our country right now where you have to plan for these things,” he sadded.

Vice President JD Vance comments on the shooting at Brown University

00:02 , Graig Graziosi

Vice President JD Vance comments on the shooting at Brown University:

“Terrible news out of Rhode Island this evening. We're all monitoring the situation and the FBI stands ready to do anything to help,” Vance said. “We're all thinking of and praying for the victims tonight.”

Police Commander Tim O'Hara said suspect exited university building on foot

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:57 , Graig Graziosi

Providence Police Commander Tim O’Hara told reporters on Friday night that the suspect in the Brown University mass shooting exited the building on foot.

Police are still searching for the suspect, who is described as a male wearing black.

O’Hara said he is working with the FBI and other law enforcement to obtain video footage from the surrounding area in hopes of capturing images of the shooter.

Firearm used in shooting has not been recovered

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:49 , Ariana Baio

Local officials said no weapon has been recovered from the shooting.

Law enforcement said they were not sure what type of firearm was used.

Trump calls shooting 'a terrible thing'

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:48 , Ariana Baio

President Donald Trump returned to the White House Saturday evening and called the shooting “a terrible thing.”

“All we can do right now is pray for the victims,” Trump told reporters.

Suspect is a male dressed in black: preliminary investigation claims

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:44 , Ariana Baio

Officials are currently looking for a male suspect dressed in black, Commander Tim O’Hara, the Chief of the Providence police, said.

Two dead and eight injured, mayor says

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:37 , Ariana Baio

Two people have died and eight others are in critical condition, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said in a press conference.

Officials said the eight individuals are in critical, but stable, condition as of now.

The suspected shooter remains at large.

Officials are asking local residents to shelter in place.

Speaker Mike Johnson says he is 'praying' for safety of students

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:35 , Ariana Baio

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said he is, “Praying for the safety of students and law enforcement at Brown University.”

“May God protect everyone affected and bring comfort to their families and loved ones.”

Brown student says he has been in lockdown in library for two hours

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:31 , Ariana Baio

Ethan Schenker, a student at Brown University, told CNN he and other students have been on lockdown in a library basement on campus with other students for two hours.

Rhode Island Attorney General says he is 'sickened' by shooting reports

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:20 , Ariana Baio

“I am sickened by reports of a mass shooting at Brown University,” Rhode Island’s Attorney General Keith Hoffmann said on X.

“It is devastating to see this kind of senseless violence strike our community. Right now my thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, the Brown community, and the police and other first responders responding to this horrific attack.”

Press conference expected soon

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:17 , Ariana Baio

Officials are expected to hold a press conference soon to provide an update on the shooting at Brown University.

University says report of secondary gunfire is 'unfounded'

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:16 , Ariana Baio

“The earlier report of a secondary shooting incident near Governor Street is unfounded. However, it remains critical to continue to shelter in place due to the original situation. Stay tuned for further safety information,” Brown University said in a statement.

Law enforcement continue to search for suspect

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:12 , Ariana Baio

Law enforcement in Rhode Island is still looking for the suspected shooter, Brown University said in a statement at 6:05 p.m.

The school confirmed that multiple people had been shot but could not provide details about their conditions.

“We are very sorry to share that we have confirmed reports of multiple shooting victims, but we are not able to share their condition. They have been transported to local hospital,” Brown wrote.

FBI & ATF on the scene

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:10 , Ariana Baio

Trump clarifies no suspect in custody

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:09 , Ariana Baio

Trump released a second statement, clarifying that no suspect is in custody at Brown University.

The president’s previous Truth Social post contained incorrect information.

In photos: First responders flock to Brown University

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:05 , Ariana Baio
Ambulances line Hope Street at Brown University (AP)
Emergency personnel gather at Hope and Waterman Streets at Brown University (AP)

Students were in the middle of finals

Saturday 13 December 2025 23:03 , Ariana Baio

Students at Brown University had just begun their final exam period for the fall semester, according to the school’s academic calendar.

The exam period began Friday, Dec. 12, and was expected to run through Dec. 20.

Witness describes seeing people on the ground

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:58 , Ariana Baio

A resident of Providence said they saw a person lying on the ground as multiple cars rushed by, shortly after the shooting began.

“I started seeing a bunch of cars going towards the scene and I saw someone on the ground, unfortunately. It looked like they were getting CPR,” Jib Daya, the Providence resident, told WJAR.

“I saw about two people getting carried away on the stretcher.”

Multiple people have been shot, Providence police say

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:53 , Ariana Baio

The Providence police department said Saturday evening that “multiple” people had been shot in the area of Brown University.

They did not offer details about the number of people shot or their conditions.

Brown student evacuated building after hearing gunshots

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:50 , Ariana Baio

Brown University student Katie Sun told the Brown Daily Herald, the school’s student newspaper, that she evacuated an engineering building after hearing gunshots around 4:10 p.m.

“It was honestly quite terrifying. The shots seemed like they were coming from … where the classrooms are,” Sun told the student newspaper.

Sun said she left all her belongings behind and ran to her dorm for safety.

Trump issues statement on shooting, says he has been briefed

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:50 , Ariana Baio

On Truth Social, President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the shooting at Brown University and prayed for the victims and their families.

The president said FBI was on the scene and claimed a suspect was in custody – however, the school rescinded that previous update.

It’s unclear if the president had an update or incorrect information.

FBI deploying resources

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:45 , Ariana Baio

A spokesperson for the FBI told NBC News the agency was aware of the ongoing active shooter situation at Brown University and has “deployed resources” to assist.

Rhode Island Governor says state police are working with local law enforcement

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:42 , Ariana Baio

Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island said he was monitoring the shooting at Brown University and utilizing state and local law enforcement to assist in the active shooter situation

Shots reportedly fired near Governor Street

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:31 , Ariana Baio

A Brown University alert, sent at 5:27 p.m., said that shots were reportedly fired near Governor Street, located approximately 500 feet from Barus & Holley – the area where authorities said the shooting.

“BrownUAlert: Urgent: Report of shots fired near Governor street. Continue to shelter in place. Stay clear. Law enforcement responding,” the alert read.

Providence police ask residents to avoid area

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:21 , Ariana Baio

The Providence Police asked residents to avoid Hope Street near Brown University, where an active shooter situation was reported.

“There is currently heavy Providence Police and Fire presence on Hope Street near Brown University. Please exercise caution and avoid this area until further notice,” Providence PD wrote on X.

University says police do not have a suspect is in custody

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:19 , Ariana Baio

After initially claiming a suspect was in custody, Brown University said police do not have a suspect in custody – and continued to urge students to shelter in place.

“ Police do not have a suspect in custody and continue to search for suspect(s).”

One suspect in custody

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:13 , Ariana Baio

Brown University said one suspect was in custody, in a second alert to students, but urged students to remain hidden for the time being.

“Providence Police are on scene. Continue to shelter at this time. One suspect in custody,” the schools said in an emergency alert.

Congressman says he is 'monitoring' shooting

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:12 , Ariana Baio

Rep. Gabe Amo, who represents parts of Providence in Congress, said he was “monitoring” the shooting and in touch with law enforcement.

“If you are in the area, please stay inside and allow law enforcement to do their work,” Amo said, urging those with information to contact police.

Active shooter alert at Brown University

Saturday 13 December 2025 22:11 , Ariana Baio

Brown University notified students of an active shooter situation around 4:20 p.m.

The university urged students to remain hidden with cell phones silenced until further notice.

At this time it is unclear if anyone has been injured.

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