Tragedy Strikes Brown University: Gunman Opens Fire on Students During Exam Session
A tragic incident unfolded at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, where a gunman opened fire on students during an exam session, resulting in two fatalities and eight injuries. The suspect, described as a man in dark clothing possibly in his 30s, fled the scene on foot. The attack occurred inside a first-floor classroom during a final exam review for an economics course. Authorities released video footage of the suspect leaving the engineering building, urging the public to come forward if they recognize his gait or outfit.
Brown University confirmed that the two individuals killed were students, while the injured were in stable condition at nearby hospitals. The campus was locked down, and a shelter-in-place advisory was issued for the College Hill neighborhood. Mayor Brett Smiley stated that over 400 law enforcement officers were involved in the investigation and securing the campus. The outer doors to the building were unlocked during the shooting, and investigators were reviewing available video footage.
Students recounted moments of panic and confusion as news of the shooting spread. Federal agencies and police from nearby cities joined the search efforts, facing challenges due to crowded downtown streets and public events. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences, calling the situation "terrible" and urging prayers for the victims. The names of the victims have not been released, and investigators were following up on tips about the suspect's identity.
As the investigation continued into the night, the area around the engineering building remained cordoned off, with roads closed and officers patrolling the area. Brown University, an Ivy League institution with a history dating back to 1764, enrolls thousands of students on its main campus atop College Hill in Providence. The incident at Brown University adds to the alarming number of mass shootings in the country in 2025, with 389 recorded so far, including several school-related incidents, according to the Gun Violence Archive.