A shooting at Brown University on Saturday, December 13, 2025, triggered an hours-long emergency response in providence rhode island, as campus and city officials urged people near the university to shelter in place while investigators searched for the suspect or suspects.
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What happened at Brown University
Authorities say gunfire was reported near Brown’s engineering area during the second day of final exams. The university issued urgent alerts telling students and staff to stay inside, secure doors, and remain away from the affected area as police moved in.
The shooting unfolded in and around the Barus & Holley engineering complex, a heavily used academic space with labs, classrooms, and study areas. The incident prompted a large law enforcement presence across streets bordering campus.
Confirmed casualties and injuries
As of today’s verified updates, at least two people were killed. Eight other people were reported injured, with officials describing the wounded as critical but stable at the time of the latest updates.
Emergency responders transported victims to local hospitals while the university remained in lockdown and police continued their search.
Suspect status: not in custody
One key point has been confirmed by authorities: no suspect was in custody in the most recent verified reporting.
Earlier public claims suggesting an arrest were later corrected. Officials emphasized that the investigation was active and the search ongoing.
Shelter-in-place orders and campus lockdown
In the immediate aftermath, Brown’s emergency alerts instructed people to shelter in place and avoid the area near the engineering buildings. Students and staff described a tense atmosphere as finals schedules were disrupted and buildings were secured.
Police also urged the public to stay away from the area around campus while officers worked to clear buildings, secure streets, and manage the response.
Law enforcement response
City police and Brown University police led the on-the-ground response, coordinating traffic control, building searches, and emergency medical access. Additional law enforcement support assisted as investigators processed the scene and followed leads.
Officials have not released details about a motive, the identities of victims, or the weapon involved in the most recent confirmed updates.
Impact on the campus and city
The shooting occurred during a peak academic period, when students were moving between exams, study sessions, and residence halls. The proximity to major pedestrian routes heightened concern across the university and surrounding neighborhoods.
The incident has deeply affected providence rhode island, with residents and students grappling with fear and uncertainty as authorities continue their work.
What remains unknown
Despite confirmed casualty and injury counts, several questions remain unanswered based on the latest verified information:
- Whether a single suspect or multiple suspects were involved
- The identities of the deceased and injured
- A confirmed motive
- A timeline for lifting all safety restrictions and reopening affected facilities
Authorities typically withhold names until families are notified and avoid releasing investigative details that could compromise the search.
Next steps in the investigation
Investigators are expected to continue interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and collecting evidence from the scene. Additional updates may be released as facts are confirmed and safety conditions change.
The verified facts remain clear: a shooting at Brown University on December 13, 2025, left at least two people dead and multiple others injured, with the suspect or suspects still being sought at the time of the latest updates.
