A shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, sent shockwaves through one of America’s most prestigious Ivy League campuses, leaving two people dead and at least nine others injured, according to authorities.
The attack occurred on Friday afternoon, when gunfire erupted inside a university building during what officials described as a normal academic session near the end of the semester. Students and faculty were quickly ordered to shelter in place as local and federal law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene.
Providence police confirmed that officers responded within minutes, placing the entire campus under lockdown. Emergency alerts warned students to remain indoors, lock doors, and stay silent while officers searched for the suspect. Classes and all campus activities were immediately suspended.
Witnesses described moments of panic and confusion as people ran for safety, hid inside classrooms, and barricaded doors. Several victims were transported to Rhode Island Hospital, where officials said some were in critical condition while others were stabilized.
Authorities later announced that a person of interest had been detained outside Providence, though investigators stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and details are still being verified. As of now, police have not released an official motive for the attack.
Brown University President Christina Paxson addressed the community in a statement, calling the incident “a devastating day” and offering condolences to the victims, their families, and the broader campus community. Counseling services and emergency support were made available to students and staff.
The shooting has reignited national conversations about campus security and gun violence in the United States, particularly as universities across the country struggle to balance open academic environments with safety concerns.
While details continue to emerge, the tragedy at Brown University serves as a sobering reminder that even the most elite and historic institutions are not immune to the broader crisis of gun violence affecting American society.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to cooperate with investigators as the case develops.