Two Killed, Several Injured in Shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island

At least two people were killed and eight others critically injured in a shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island on Saturday, the Associated Press quoted university provost Frank Doyle as saying.

The shooting occurred during final examinations at the university’s engineering building, where the gunman opened fire on Saturday afternoon, according to Doyle.

Following the incident, the university issued an active shooter alert, urging students and staff to take shelter immediately.

According to Reuters, Brown University’s president confirmed that two of those killed were students. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said there was no indication of any additional threats linked to the incident.

FBI Director Kash Patel said federal agents were on the scene and ready to assist. “FBI personnel are at the site and will provide all capabilities necessary,” Patel wrote on X. “Please pray for all those involved. We will update with more information as we are able.”

The shooting reportedly took place near the Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and the physics department. The seven-storey facility contains more than 100 laboratories, along with dozens of classrooms and offices, according to the university’s website.

Brown University initially said through its emergency notification system that a suspect had been taken into custody, but later clarified that this was not the case. Police were still searching for the shooter or shooters, the university said.

In its first alert, the university warned that the active shooter was near Barus & Holley Engineering and instructed people to lock doors, silence phones and remain hidden. “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,” the alert stated.

The university said it was coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies and that emergency medical teams were deployed at the scene.

Later, Brown reported additional calls about gunfire near Governor Street, with law enforcement responding. The latest alert, issued at 5:52 pm local time, said the situation remained ongoing and urged students and staff to continue sheltering in place.

Kristy DosReis, the chief public information officer for the city of Providence, said police were actively investigating and continuing to gather information from the scene, according to AP.