Two people were killed and eight others critically injured on Saturday afternoon after a gunman opened fire at Brown University in Rhode Island, authorities have confirmed.
Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley told reporters at an evening press briefing that the shooting occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. local time at the Barus & Holley Engineering Building, where students were reportedly writing final examinations.
The injured victims were rushed to Rhode Island Hospital and are in critical but stable condition, according to the mayor.
“These are the only casualties we are aware of at this time, but the situation is still developing,” Smiley said.
Authorities said no suspect has been arrested. Providence Deputy Police Chief Tim O’Hara disclosed that no weapon has been recovered and that the suspect, described as a male dressed in black, fled the building via the Hope Street side. It remains unclear how the suspect gained access to the facility.
Law enforcement officers cleared the building but were unable to locate the suspect.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the Brown University area, with residents urged to remain indoors.
“If you live on or near Brown’s campus, please stay home and stay inside,” Smiley advised.
The university issued emergency alerts instructing students to lock doors, silence phones and remain hidden until further notice.
University officials later clarified that an earlier report claiming a suspect was in custody was incorrect.
“There was an individual initially believed to be involved, but that person was later found to have no connection to the incident,” the mayor said.
United States President Donald Trump confirmed he had been briefed on the shooting.
In a post on Truth Social, he expressed condolences to the victims and their families, later clarifying that the suspect remained at large.
Federal agencies have joined the investigation. The FBI said it is providing support to local law enforcement, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed it has deployed agents to the campus.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee described the incident as tragic, saying, “The unthinkable has happened.”
Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue the manhunt for the suspect.