Two killed in shooting at Brown University amid final exams, campus issues active shooter alert

The reported shooting incident took place near the Barus & Holley building, which houses the university’s School of Engineering and physics department.

At least two people were killed, and eight others critically injured in a shooting at the Brown University in Rhode Island, Associated Press quoted university provost Frank Doyle as saying.

The university had initially, through its emergency notification system, told students and staff that a suspect had been taken into custody. However, it later said that was not the case, adding that the police were still looking searching for a suspect or suspects. (AP)

According to the provost, the final exams were taking place in the engineering building Saturday afternoon when the shooter opened fire.

The school campus issued an active shooter alert following the incident, urging students and staff members to take shelter.

According to Reuters, Brown University President confirmed that two of the people killed in the shooting on campus were students. Providence mayor said there is no reason to believe there are any additional threats related to the incident, it added.

Meanwhile, FBI director Kash Patel, in a post on X, said the agency personnel were at the site, adding that they would “provide all capabilites necessary.”

“Please pray for all those involved. We will update with more information as we are able,” Patel said.

The reported shooting incident allegedly took place near the Barus & Holley building, which houses the university’s School of Engineering and physics department. The seven-storey building had more than 100 laboratories, and dozens of classrooms and offices, according to the university's website.

The university had initially, through its emergency notification system, told students and staff that a suspect had been taken into custody. However, it later said that was not the case, adding that the police were still looking searching for a suspect or suspects.

In its first alert, the university said the active shooter was near Barus & Holley Engineering. “Lock doors, silence phones and stay stay hidden until further notice. Remember: RUN, if you are in the affected location, evacuate safely if you can; HIDE, if evacuation is not possible, take cover; FIGHT, as a last resort, take action to protect yourself,” the Brown alert said.

The university said it was coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies, who were on site, and added that an emergency medical team was present in the area.

Following this, Brown said that reports of shots being fired near Governor street had emerged, with law enforcement responding to the gunfire. The latest notification, issued at 5:52 pm (local time) said the situation was ongoing, and urged students and staff to “continue to shelter in place.”

Kristy DosReis, the chief public information officer for the city of Providence, said police were actively investigating and still gathering information from the scene, AP reported.