Ongoing Manhunt After Shooting at Brown University Leaves Two Dead
A manhunt is in progress following a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where two students lost their lives and nine others sustained injuries. The shooter opened fire on Saturday at approximately 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT) within a classroom at the university, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the United States, during a period when exams were occurring.
In response to the incident, the campus was placed on lockdown as law enforcement sought the suspect, who remains at large. Some sections of the university are still under instructions for students to shelter in place until they can be safely escorted by police. According to officials from Rhode Island Hospital, many of those injured are in a “critical but stable” condition.
The identities of the victims have not been disclosed by authorities. Christina Paxson, Brown University's President, expressed the community's grief, stating, “This is a day that we hoped never would come to our community. It is deeply devastating for all of us.”
Limited details about the suspect have been provided by police. The suspect's identity or possible motives remain unknown, and it's unclear if he has any affiliation with the university. CCTV footage released shows the suspect exiting the building after the attack, though his face is obscured. Providence Deputy Police Chief Tim O’Hara described the suspect as clad entirely in black and possibly wearing a mask. The type of firearm used in the attack has not been identified, and it has not been located.
The incident occurred in the Barus and Holley building, where the university's engineering school is located, specifically in a first-floor classroom. According to Rachel Friedberg, an economics professor, the shooting happened during a review session conducted by her teaching assistant. She recounted that the shooter entered the room, shouted something indistinct, and began firing, causing students to scramble for cover.
The aftermath has seen a significant police presence in and around Brown University, urging residents to remain indoors or keep away until the situation is resolved. The university announced that police would help evacuate non-residential buildings. Steph Machado from the Boston Globe noted that local establishments have locked down, with patrons remaining inside until the danger has passed.
Initially, reports suggested a suspect had been apprehended, but authorities quickly ruled out any connection to the shooting for the detained individual. Mari Camara, a 20-year-old student from New York City, shared her experience of seeking shelter in a nearby restaurant, where she and others spent hours hiding.