PROVIDENCE, RI December 14, 2025 – A gunman opened fire on Saturday afternoon at Brown University’s School of Engineering building in Providence, Rhode Island, killing at least two people and wounding eight others in critical but stable condition during the university’s final exam period.
The shooting occurred near the Barus & Holley building, a seven-story facility housing laboratories, classrooms, and offices for the engineering and physics departments. Multiple exams were underway at the time, prompting chaos as students and staff followed emergency protocols to run, hide, or fight.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the casualties in an evening press conference, stating that the injured were being treated at Rhode Island Hospital. “Today is a day the City of Providence and the state of Rhode Island prayed would never come,” Smiley said. He emphasized that no suspect is in custody and that law enforcement, including the FBI, is actively searching for the shooter or shooters.
Providence Police described the suspect as a male dressed in black who entered the building and fled on foot. No weapon has been recovered, and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage.
President Donald Trump, returning from the Army-Navy football game, addressed reporters upon landing at the White House. “I’ve been fully briefed on the Brown University situation. What a terrible thing it is,” Trump said. “All we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt… We’ll inform you later as to what’s happening. It’s a shame. Just pray.”
Earlier, a White House post on X quoted Trump as saying he had been briefed, the FBI was on scene, and offered blessings to victims and families. Initial reports briefly suggested a suspect in custody, but officials quickly clarified that was incorrect.
Brown University issued multiple alerts starting around 4:22 p.m., warning of an active shooter and urging shelter-in-place measures. A later alert about possible shots fired nearby was deemed unfounded.
The incident has prompted a massive response from local, state, and federal agencies. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Vice President JD Vance also commented, expressing support and readiness to assist.
The campus remains on lockdown as the investigation continues. Identities of the victims have not been released pending family notifications.
This marks another tragic mass shooting on a U.S. college campus, reigniting debates over gun violence during a busy exam season.
About The Author
