On Saturday, an active shooter was reported on or near the campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Multiple individuals were shot in the vicinity according to Providence Police Department officials.
Students received an emergency text alert instructing them to “lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice.” The message included specific safety guidance: “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.”
University officials initially informed students and staff that a suspect was in custody but later clarified this was incorrect. Law enforcement confirmed they were still searching for the individual or suspects.
Providence Councilmember John Goncalves, an alum of Brown University who represents the campus area, expressed deep distress: “As a Brown alum, someone who loves the Brown community and represents this area, I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to all the family members and the folks who’ve been impacted.”
The incident occurred near the Barus & Holley building—a seven-story complex housing the university’s School of Engineering and physics departments. This facility contains more than 100 laboratories, dozens of classrooms, and offices. Engineering design exams were underway when the shooting happened.
President Trump stated he had been briefed on the incident but later confirmed the suspect was not in custody. FBI Director Kash Patel reported federal agents were actively assisting with the investigation at the scene.
Providence Police Department officials described the situation as an active investigation and urged residents to shelter in place or avoid the area until further notice. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee confirmed state teams are collaborating closely with local law enforcement, adding: “Please stay clear of the area and monitor official channels for updates.”
As of 5:11 p.m. local time, no suspect had been taken into custody.
