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Multiple people were injured in a shooting at Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island Saturday afternoon, law enforcement said.
Around 4:20 p.m., students received an emergency text message alerting them to a shooter near the Barus & Holley building, located near Hope Street. The university urged students to lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice. It reminded them to run, hide or fight as a last resort.
The school initially believed a suspect was in custody, but later deleted the alert and said, “police do not have a suspect in custody.”
A suspect remained at large by 6:15 p.m.
Providence police have not provided details about how many people were injured or what their current condition is. The student newspaper, the Brown Daily Herald, said videos depicted “several individuals lying on the ground near the Sciences Library.”
President Donald Trump and other officials said they had been briefed on the shooting and were monitoring it for updates. The FBI and ATF are currently on the scene.
Two dead and eight injured, mayor says
Two people have died and eight others are in critical condition, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said in a press conference.
The suspected shooter remains at large.
Officials are asking local residents to shelter in place.
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:37
Speaker Mike Johnson says he is ‘praying’ for safety of students
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.”
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:35
Brown student says he has been in lockdown in library for two hours
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.
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:31
Rhode Island Attorney General says he is ‘sickened’ by shooting reports
“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.”
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:20
Press conference expected soon
Officials are expected to hold a press conference soon to provide an update on the shooting at Brown University.
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:17
University says report of secondary gunfire is ‘unfounded’
“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.
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:16
Law enforcement continue to search for suspect
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.
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:12
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:10
Trump clarifies no suspect in custody
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.
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:09
In photos: First responders flock to Brown University
Ambulances line Hope Street at Brown University (AP)
Emergency personnel gather at Hope and Waterman Streets at Brown University (AP)
Ariana Baio13 December 2025 23:05