Shooting shatters calm at Brown University, leaves 2 dead, 8 critically injured

At least two people were killed and eight others critically injured in a shooting at Brown University on December 13, plunging the Ivy League campus into lockdown as police launched a massive manhunt during final examinations.

The violence erupted inside the university’s engineering complex on the second day of exams, triggering an hours-long shelter-in-place order across the campus and surrounding neighbourhoods. More than two hours after the shooting, heavily armed officers were still combing buildings in search of the suspect.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the casualties and said all available resources had been deployed to locate the gunman. Authorities described the suspect as a man dressed in black, last seen fleeing the building.

“We have all available resources working to locate the suspect,” Smiley said, urging residents and students to remain indoors until the area is declared safe.

Brown University initially informed students and staff that a suspect had been taken into custody, but later walked back the claim, clarifying that police were still searching. Smiley later said a person who had been briefly detained was found to have no connection to the shooting.

The attack occurred near the Barus and Holley Building, a seven-storey facility housing Brown’s School of Engineering and physics department, with more than 100 laboratories, classrooms and offices. Engineering design exams were underway at the time.

Chiangheng Chien, a doctoral student in engineering who was nearby, said students in adjacent labs hid under desks and switched off lights after emergency alerts were issued.

Providence City Councilmember John Goncalves, whose ward includes the Brown campus, described the mood as one of shock and grief.

“As a Brown alum who loves this community, I’m heartbroken,” he said. “My heart goes out to the families and everyone impacted.”

US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the incident and offered condolences to the victims and their families. He also confirmed that police had corrected earlier statements indicating a suspect was in custody.

Vice President JD Vance said federal authorities were closely monitoring the situation and that the FBI was prepared to provide any assistance needed. The FBI is now assisting local law enforcement with the investigation.

Authorities warned the public to avoid the area as the scene remained active, cautioning that details were still emerging. Media personnel were advised to take cover as police continued gathering information.

Brown University is a private institution with about 7,300 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate students.