Tension gripped Brown University on Saturday after reports of multiple shootings near campus forced students and faculty to hide in classrooms and dorms.
Authorities initially said a suspect was in custody. That later proved incorrect. Police are still searching for the shooter or shooters. Providence Police warned the public to avoid the area and exercise caution.
The first reports said the shooting happened near the Barus and Holley engineering building, home to dozens of classrooms, labs, and offices. Later, officials confirmed shots had also been fired a few blocks away near Governor Street.
Kristy DosReis, Providence’s chief public information officer, said investigators are still piecing together what happened. “We are asking everyone to stay clear of the area while we gather facts,” she said.
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Students described the scene as frightening. Katie Sun, a sophomore, told The Herald she heard gunfire while in the Engineering Research Center. “It was terrifying. The shots sounded like they were coming from the classrooms,” she said. She ran immediately, leaving her belongings behind.
Brown University’s alert system sent multiple messages, urging students to follow the “Run, Hide, Fight” protocol. “Active shooter near Barus & Holley. Stay hidden, lock doors, silence phones, and wait for further instructions,” one alert said.
Even President Donald Trump weighed in, posting on Truth Social that a suspect was in custody. That claim was false. “The FBI is on the scene. The suspect is in custody. God bless the victims and the families of the victims!” he wrote.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also addressed the incident, telling the public to avoid the area and follow official updates. “Praying for our community,” he said.
The shooting happened during finals, a stressful time for students. Brown, an Ivy League school with over 7,300 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate students, remains on high alert as police continue to investigate.
Police have not released details about the victims’ conditions. Authorities are actively searching the area and gathering information from witnesses.
More details are expected as the investigation continues.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
