At least two people were killed and eight others were critically injured after a shooting at Brown University’s engineering building on Saturday, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said, as police launched a large-scale search for the suspect on the Ivy League campus.
President Donald Trump said late Saturday that he had been briefed on the shooting. “God bless the victims and the families of the victims!” he said on social media.
In another post, Trump said, “The Brown University Police reversed their previous statement — The suspect is NOT in custody.”
The shooting occurred during the second day of final examinations, triggering an active shooter alert and a shelter-in-place order for the campus and surrounding neighbourhoods. More than two hours after the incident, police continued to sweep university buildings, while residents were urged to remain indoors.
Providence Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara said the suspect was described as a male dressed in black who was last seen leaving the building. Authorities said this was “all they knew” about the suspect at this stage. Police were unable to immediately determine how he entered the premises but confirmed he exited from the Hope Street side.
The incident was reported near the Barus & Holley building, a seven-storey complex that houses Brown University’s School of Engineering and physics department. According to the university’s website, the facility contains over 100 laboratories, along with multiple classrooms and offices. Engineering design exams were underway in the building when the shooting took place.
Mayor Smiley appealed to nearby residents to avoid returning home until authorities declare the area safe. The university urged students and staff to take shelter as police continued the manhunt.
Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims or further details regarding the motive or circumstances surrounding the shooting.
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