Brown University Shooting: Latest Updates on Suspect, Victims, and Ongoing Investigation
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| Authorities have released footage of the alleged gunman who shot dead two people and injured nine others at Brown University's Providence campus in Rhode Island |
Providence, R.I. — Deadly Shooting Shakes Brown University Campus
A shooting inside Brown University’s engineering complex on Saturday afternoon left two students dead and nine others wounded, prompting an immediate campus lockdown and a large-scale manhunt across Providence’s College Hill neighborhood.
The attack occurred inside the Barus & Holley building, home to the School of Engineering, during final exams. Students and staff reported hearing multiple gunshots before emergency alerts instructed them to shelter in place, lock doors, and remain silent as police responded.
Authorities described the incident as one of the deadliest acts of violence in the university’s history.
Victims: Two Dead, Nine Injured
University officials confirmed that the two people killed were Brown University students. Nine others were transported to Rhode Island Hospital with gunshot wounds. Several victims were listed in serious or critical condition, while others were reported stable.
Names and identifying details of the victims have not been released as officials continue to notify families and conduct the investigation. Counseling services and emergency support resources were made available immediately following the shooting.
Brown University President Christina Paxson said the campus community was “heartbroken,” adding that the university would focus on supporting students, faculty, and families in the aftermath.
Focus on the Suspect: Who Police Are Looking For
The suspected gunman remains at large, and authorities have not released a name or confirmed identity.
Police have issued a public appeal for help after releasing surveillance footage showing a male believed to be the shooter walking away from the Barus & Holley building shortly after the attack.
According to investigators, the suspect:
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Is an adult male, possibly in his 30s
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Was wearing dark or black clothing
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Appeared to have a mask or camouflage face covering in some footage
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Was last seen exiting the building toward Hope Street, then moving deeper into the surrounding neighborhood
Officials noted that the individual appeared calm as he left the scene, raising concerns that the suspect may have planned the attack and escape route in advance.
Police emphasized that the person’s face is not clearly visible in the video and urged anyone with security cameras, dashcams, or cellphone footage from the area to come forward.
Early Confusion Over Arrest
In the chaotic hours following the shooting, Brown University briefly informed students that a suspect had been taken into custody. That message was later corrected.
Providence officials clarified that a person was detained during the response but was determined not to be involved in the shooting. The actual suspect remains unidentified.
Authorities acknowledged the confusion but said the priority at the time was securing the campus and protecting lives.
Massive Manhunt and Federal Involvement
The search for the suspect has involved hundreds of law enforcement officers, including Providence police, Rhode Island State Police, and federal agents.
Police established security perimeters around the campus, conducted door-to-door searches in nearby neighborhoods, and reviewed surveillance footage from businesses and residences. A temporary shelter-in-place order was issued for parts of the city to support the operation.
Investigators recovered shell casings from inside the building. Forensic teams are analyzing the evidence to determine the type of firearm used and whether it can be linked to prior crimes.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive and said it remains unclear whether the suspect had any direct connection to Brown University.
Campus Response and Security Review
Brown University canceled classes and exams following the shooting and maintained restricted access to campus buildings while police completed their search.
University officials announced a comprehensive review of security protocols, including building access policies, emergency alert systems, and coordination with law enforcement. Students have called for increased safety measures, particularly during high-traffic academic periods such as exams.
Administrators said any long-term changes would be communicated once the immediate threat is resolved.
Community Reaction
The shooting has sent shockwaves through Providence and the wider academic community. Vigils were organized near campus, and messages of condolence poured in from universities, political leaders, and alumni nationwide.
Local officials urged calm but emphasized that the investigation remains active and that residents should remain alert until the suspect is captured.
What Happens Next
Police say the investigation is entering a critical phase as detectives work to:
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Identify the suspect through video analysis
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Track movements after leaving campus
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Establish motive and possible accomplices
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Match forensic evidence to known databases
Authorities continue to ask the public for information, stressing that even minor details could be crucial.
FAQs — Brown University Shooting
What happened at Brown University?
A gunman opened fire inside an engineering building, killing two students and injuring nine others.
Has the suspect been arrested?
No. The suspect remains at large, and a manhunt is ongoing.
What does the suspect look like?
Police describe a male in dark clothing, possibly in his 30s, last seen leaving the campus area on foot.
Were the victims students?
Yes. University officials confirmed the victims were students.
Is the campus safe now?
Authorities say there is no confirmed ongoing threat, but security remains heightened while the suspect is sought.
