A chilling scene unfolded Saturday afternoon at Brown University in Rhode Island, shattering the tranquility of the Ivy League campus. A mass shooting within the Barus and Holley engineering building left at least two students dead and nine others wounded, plunging the community into grief and fear.
The shooting erupted around 4 p.m. inside a classroom, as final exams were underway. Authorities are urgently searching for a male suspect, described as wearing black clothing, who was last seen fleeing the building on foot. The campus remains locked down as the manhunt intensifies.
Police have released surveillance footage depicting a person matching the suspect’s description walking near the campus, hoping to generate leads. Despite a thorough search of the building, no weapons have been recovered at the scene, deepening the mystery surrounding the attack.
A shelter-in-place order is still in effect for the broader Brown University area, impacting residents and businesses beyond the campus boundaries. Over 400 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies are currently on the ground, coordinating the search and investigation.
The unlocked outer doors of the engineering building, a consequence of the ongoing exams scheduled between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., are being examined as a potential factor in the suspect’s access. Officials are meticulously working to identify everyone who was present in the building at the time of the shooting.
Local resident Elias Christian, speaking to reporters, described the situation as “scary,” expressing disbelief that such violence could occur in what is typically considered a safe area. “This is the heart of Brown,” he stated, highlighting the shock felt throughout the community.
The FBI Boston field office is providing full support to Rhode Island law enforcement, offering resources including evidence response teams, investigative assistance, and victim support services. The Bureau’s commitment underscores the gravity of the situation.
The shooting has prompted an outpouring of concern from leaders. The governor of Rhode Island expressed his devastation, stating simply, “The unthinkable has happened.” The close-knit campus of over 11,000 students, where the majority of freshmen reside on campus, is now grappling with unimaginable loss.
The Barus and Holley building, a hub for both classroom learning and advanced laboratory research, is now a focal point of the investigation. The city of Providence, located just south of Boston, is reeling from this sudden and violent disruption.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn the victims and seek answers in the wake of this devastating event. The search for the suspect remains the top priority, with authorities determined to bring those responsible to justice.
