Incident Summary
A mass shooting occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, around 4 p.m. local time near the Barus & Holley building (a computer lab and engineering facility). Two people were killed, and eight others were injured, with the injured hospitalized in critical but stable condition. The incident happened during scheduled exams from 2-5 p.m., prompting an active shooter alert that urged students to lock doors, silence phones, and hide.
Official Response and Timeline
Initial Alert (shortly after 4 p.m.): University warned of an active shooter; a brief false report of a suspect in custody was corrected minutes later.
5:15 p.m. Update: Shelter-in-place order continued; police searching for suspect(s), no one in custody.
5:27 p.m.: Report of shots near Governor Street (later deemed unfounded).
5:52 p.m.: Situation ongoing.
6:05 p.m.: Confirmed multiple shooting victims transported to hospitals; support services activated on campus.
News Conference (6:45 p.m.): Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed no suspect in custody. Police described the suspect as a male dressed in black who exited via the Hope Street side. Commander Timothy O’Hara noted they’re using all resources to apprehend him. Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee called it “the unthinkable” and stated state police and emergency management were assisting.
Authorities coordinated with multiple law enforcement agencies. A reported secondary incident near Governor Street was unfounded.
Eyewitness and Scene Details
Campus footage showed police aiding individuals near the Sciences Library. Student Katie Sun, studying nearby, heard gunshots at 4:10 p.m. and fled, describing it as “terrifying” to The Brown Daily Herald.
This appears to be a developing story with no suspect apprehended as of the latest updates. For real-time info, check official sources like Providence Police, Brown University alerts, or Gov. McKee’s X account. Stay safe if you’re in the area.
