Key Takeaways
- Two students have been killed and nine people injured in a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island
- The suspect, described as a man dressed in black, remains at large and is still being searched for by law enforcement
- The shooting occurred during exam period, with classes and exams scheduled to take place until December 20
- The university has implemented a shelter-in-place order, and law enforcement is working to ensure the safety of the community
- The incident is the second major incident of gun violence on a university campus this week, following a shooting at Kentucky State University on December 9
Introduction to the Incident
Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence, Rhode Island, has confirmed that two students have been killed and nine people were injured after an active shooter was reported on the campus of Brown University. The shooting occurred on Saturday during exam period, with classes and exams scheduled to take place until December 20. The suspect, described as a man dressed in black, remains at large and is still being searched for by law enforcement. The university has implemented a shelter-in-place order, and law enforcement is working to ensure the safety of the community.
Response to the Shooting
At a news conference, Smiley said that university leaders became aware of the shooting at about 4:05pm local time, when a 911 call was received by emergency responders. The university’s president, Christina Paxton, explained that she had been on a plane to Washington, DC, when she learned of the shooting and immediately returned to Providence to attend a nighttime news conference. Paxton called on the campus to remain vigilant and adhere to its lockdown protocol, emphasizing that the safety of the community is the top priority. The university has also issued a statement confirming that the victims were students, and that the investigation is ongoing.
Investigation and Search for the Suspect
The suspect remains at large, and law enforcement is working to identify and apprehend the individual. The police have released a description of the suspect, who is believed to be a man dressed in black, and may have been wearing a camouflage grey mask. The suspect was seen exiting the Barus and Holley building, where the shooting occurred, and was last seen on foot. The police are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses to gather more information about the suspect and the incident. The FBI and ATF are also involved in the investigation, and are working to determine the motive behind the shooting.
Impact on the Community
The shooting has had a significant impact on the community, with many students and faculty members expressing shock and sadness. The university has canceled all classes and exams for the remainder of the day, and has set up a support center for students and staff who may be affected by the incident. The city of Providence has also offered support to the university and the community, with Mayor Smiley encouraging community members to reach out to one another as the city grapples with the aftermath of the shooting. Governor Dan McKee has also offered his support, stating that the state will provide assistance to the authorities in Providence and statewide.
Trend of Gun Violence
The shooting at Brown University is the second major incident of gun violence on a university campus this week, following a shooting at Kentucky State University on December 9. The risk of gun violence has transformed the academic experience in the US, with many schools holding preparedness drills for active shooter situations. The Gun Violence Archive, a nonprofit that tracks shootings in the US, has documented at least 389 mass shootings this year alone. Schools are often a target, with the nonprofit Everytown for Gun Safety reporting that there have been 154 incidents of gunfire on school campuses in 2025, resulting in 49 deaths and 135 injuries.
Exam-Period Tragedy
The shooting comes as the academic semester winds down at Brown University, with the last day of classes for the fall semester having been on Thursday. The university is in its final examination period, with exams scheduled to take place until December 20. The shooting occurred during a time when students were taking exams, and the university has confirmed that the victims were students. The incident has raised questions about the safety and security measures in place at the university, particularly during exam period. The university has stated that the outer doors of the building where the shooting occurred were unlocked due to the exams taking place, but that there were inner doors that required badge access.
Conclusion
The shooting at Brown University is a tragic reminder of the risk of gun violence in the US, particularly on university campuses. The incident has had a significant impact on the community, and the university and law enforcement are working to ensure the safety and security of the community. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect remains at large. The incident has also raised questions about the safety and security measures in place at the university, and the need for increased measures to prevent such incidents in the future. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff, and to work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all.
