Police in Providence, Rhode Island, are continuing an intensive search for a suspect following a deadly shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others injured.
The attack took place on Saturday afternoon at around 4pm local time, when a gunman opened fire inside a classroom where students were sitting exams. The incident prompted an immediate lockdown across the Ivy League campus as officers launched a large-scale manhunt.
Authorities say the suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Students and staff in several parts of the university have been instructed to stay sheltered while police escort people from buildings one by one. Residents living nearby were also advised to remain indoors.
Rhode Island Hospital confirmed that most of the injured victims are in critical but stable condition. Officials have not yet released the identities of those killed or wounded.
In a statement, Brown University said police would enter non-residential campus buildings to ensure everyone could be safely evacuated. Exams scheduled for the day were cancelled.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear in the hours following the shooting. Steph Machado, a journalist covering the incident, said businesses near the campus locked their doors as people waited inside under police orders.
“There were emergency lights everywhere,” she said.
Initial reports suggested a suspect had been detained, but police later clarified that the individual questioned was not connected to the shooting.
One student, Mari Camara, said she ran into a nearby restaurant after leaving the library and remained hidden there for several hours. “Everyone was in shock,” she said. “It’s terrifying that this could happen here.”
Brown University President Christina Paxson described the incident as “deeply devastating” for the campus community, adding that it was a day no one expected to face.
Police have released few details about the suspect, who is believed to be male and was seen on CCTV leaving the building after the attack. His face was not visible, and investigators have not confirmed whether he has any connection to the university. The weapon used has not been recovered.
Providence Deputy Police Chief Tim O’Hara said the suspect was dressed in black and may have been wearing a mask. Additional armed officers have been deployed to assist with the search.
The shooting occurred in the Barus and Holley building, part of the university’s engineering school. An economics professor told local media that the gunman entered during a review session, shouted something, and began firing as students tried to escape.
State and national leaders expressed their condolences. President Donald Trump called the shooting “a terrible tragedy,” while Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said the state was mourning alongside the Providence community.
Brown University, founded in the 18th century, is one of the oldest universities in the United States and has more than 11,000 students. The incident adds to a growing number of mass shootings recorded in the country this year, according to independent monitoring groups.
