A chilling scene unfolded late Saturday afternoon at Brown University as gunfire shattered the quiet of the Rhode Island campus. The Providence Police Department confirmed multiple people were struck by gunfire, triggering an immediate and widespread emergency response.
The initial reports centered around the Barus and Holley engineering building on Hope Street, where an active shooter was reported. Emergency medical teams raced to the scene, preparing for the worst as the situation rapidly escalated.
Within minutes, the danger expanded. Shots were also reported near Governor Street, extending the zone of fear and uncertainty across the historic university grounds. The campus, normally a hub of academic pursuit, transformed into a landscape of lockdown and dread.
An urgent alert message blasted out to students, a stark directive in a moment of crisis: “Lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice.” The message didn’t mince words, outlining a desperate strategy for survival.
The university’s alert echoed the grim reality of the situation, offering a chillingly practical guide: “RUN, if you are in the affected location, evacuate safely if you can; HIDE, if evacuation is not possible, take cover; FIGHT, as a last resort, take action to protect yourself.” Every second counted.
As of early evening, the search for a suspect remained ongoing. Law enforcement agencies from across the region converged on the campus, establishing a perimeter and initiating a meticulous search. No arrests had been made.
The investigation is active and fluid, according to Providence Police, who urged the public to shelter in place or avoid the area entirely. The campus newspaper reported that several buildings were immediately placed on lockdown, trapping students and faculty inside.
Final exams had begun at Brown University just days prior, meaning the affected buildings likely held a significant number of students and instructors. The full extent of those impacted remained unknown as the situation unfolded.
Located in the coastal city of Providence, roughly fifty miles south of Boston, Brown University is a prestigious Ivy League institution now grappling with a terrifying ordeal. The campus, steeped in history and tradition, was suddenly the scene of unimaginable violence.
The situation remains highly volatile, and details are still emerging. The community holds its breath, awaiting further information as authorities work to secure the campus and bring those responsible to justice.
