The Brown University shooting in December 2025 left two students injured near Thayer Street in Providence. Both are recovering, and police continue investigating. The university has increased patrols, added security cameras, and expanded safety services. Officials and students are working together to strengthen campus security and community support.
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What Happened Near Brown University
The shooting occurred on the night of December 7, 2025, near Thayer Street, a popular area close to Brown’s campus filled with restaurants and student hangouts. Around 9:30 p.m., an argument between two groups turned violent when gunfire broke out near the intersection of Thayer and Waterman Streets.
Two Brown students were struck by bullets—one in the leg and the other in the shoulder. Both were quickly taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where they received emergency treatment. Thankfully, doctors have confirmed that both students are expected to make full recoveries.
Shortly after the incident, university officials sent a campus-wide emergency alert instructing students to stay indoors while Providence Police secured the area. Within an hour, the immediate threat was over, and the shelter-in-place order was lifted.
Police Investigation: Current Status
The Providence Police Department, working closely with Brown University Public Safety, continues to investigate the case. Detectives have reviewed multiple surveillance videos from nearby shops and gathered statements from witnesses who were in the area at the time.
Police Chief Oscar Perez said investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident that stemmed from a confrontation between individuals, not a random attack on students or the campus community.
Authorities have identified a person of interest but have not yet released a name while the investigation continues. Law enforcement has urged anyone with information to contact the Providence Police Department.
Officers remain present around campus, particularly during nighttime hours, to provide reassurance and visibility while the investigation moves forward.
University Response and Leadership Statements
Following the shooting, Brown University President Christina Paxson released an official statement expressing sympathy for the victims and gratitude toward first responders. She emphasized that the university’s top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of its community.
Brown immediately introduced several enhanced safety actions, including:
- Increased police patrols around Thayer Street and nearby student areas.
- More campus security cameras in public and residential zones.
- Extended hours for SafeRide, Brown’s late-night transportation service.
- Expanded emergency communication systems for quicker alerts.
In addition, Brown’s Health and Wellness Center and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are offering support for students who feel anxious or distressed following the event.
Student and Community Reactions
The incident has deeply affected both the university and the city of Providence. Students held a candlelight vigil on the Main Green to show solidarity with the injured students and to stand against campus violence.
Many students expressed gratitude for Brown’s quick communication during the emergency but also called for long-term improvements in safety and lighting around off-campus areas.
Local residents have joined those calls, urging city officials to increase patrols and improve street safety near student housing.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley met with university leaders shortly after the incident. He praised the collaboration between city police and Brown Public Safety, assuring residents that joint patrols will continue throughout the winter months.
Updates on the Victims
Both injured students are now recovering at home with their families. University officials confirmed they are receiving full academic support, including virtual learning accommodations and flexible coursework deadlines.
Friends of the students organized a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical and recovery expenses, which has received strong support from the Brown community and alumni network.
The victims’ families released brief statements thanking first responders, hospital staff, and the university community for their care and compassion.
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Safety Improvements on Campus
In the days following the shooting, Brown has taken visible steps to reinforce safety and restore confidence among students and staff.
Some of the new measures include:
- Upgraded emergency lighting along paths frequently used by students at night.
- Additional call boxes and safety stations in key areas.
- Campus security workshops teaching students how to respond in emergencies.
- Increased collaboration between Brown’s Department of Public Safety and the Providence Police Department.
Brown is also reviewing its student safety app, “Rave Guardian,” which allows users to share their location and alert campus police instantly if they feel unsafe. Plans are underway to expand app features for faster response times and broader coverage.
Mental Health and Support Services
University counselors report that many students have reached out for emotional support since the shooting. To meet the increased demand, Brown temporarily added more licensed therapists and extended counseling hours through January 2026.
Peer support groups and faculty-led discussions have also been organized to help students process their feelings and foster community resilience.
“While this event was traumatic, the outpouring of care shows the strength of Brown’s community,” said Vice President for Campus Life Eric Estes. “We are standing together through this difficult time.”
Impact on Campus and Classes
Classes at Brown University resumed the day after the shooting, but the atmosphere on campus was understandably tense. To help students feel safe, the university placed additional security officers around high-traffic buildings such as the Rockefeller Library, Faunce House, and Sayles Hall. Patrols also increased in the evenings, particularly near Thayer Street and Wriston Quadrangle, where students often gather after dark.
Faculty members were urged to show flexibility and compassion in the days following the incident. Professors allowed absences without penalty and extended deadlines to give students time to recover emotionally and mentally. Many instructors also opened class discussions about safety, well-being, and how the university community could support one another during a difficult time.
In the week that followed, Brown’s Office of Student Support Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) hosted drop-in sessions for students to share their experiences or seek help. These sessions were well-attended, showing how much the community values open conversation and emotional healing.
By mid-December, campus life began returning to normal. Students resumed daily routines—attending lectures, studying in libraries, and preparing for final exams—but the event left a lasting reminder of the importance of safety awareness.
Many students have since adopted new habits, such as walking in groups after dark, using SafeRide, or sharing their locations through the Rave Guardian safety app. The university continues to encourage these practices, reminding everyone that personal safety and mutual care are shared responsibilities.
While the incident caused temporary disruption, it also strengthened Brown’s sense of unity. Students, staff, and faculty have shown remarkable resilience, proving that the community’s support for one another remains stronger than fear.
Future Safety Planning
To prevent future incidents, Brown University has created a Campus Safety Task Force, which includes students, faculty, administrators, and local law enforcement. The task force will assess safety gaps and recommend long-term solutions before the next academic term.
Some of the planned initiatives include:
- Adding more lighting and surveillance cameras around off-campus housing areas.
- Hosting personal safety workshops each semester.
- Strengthening partnerships with nearby universities for coordinated emergency response.
Brown officials have also confirmed that they are exploring federal and state grants to support security infrastructure upgrades in 2026.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now:
- The two injured students are recovering and stable.
- Police have identified a person of interest but no arrests have been made.
- Increased patrols and new safety protocols remain in place.
- Campus support services continue to be available for all students.
Authorities remain confident the shooter will be identified soon. Law enforcement continues to encourage witnesses or anyone with video evidence to come forward.
A Campus Focused on Healing
The Brown University community continues to heal, united by compassion and determination to make the campus safer. Students and faculty are participating in open discussions about safety, awareness, and mental health, reinforcing the sense of solidarity that defines the university.
Brown University remains vigilant, compassionate, and proactive — committed to recovery, safety, and ensuring that every member of its community feels secure and supported.