On Saturday afternoon, December 13, 2025, a tragic mass shooting unfolded at Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. This event represents one of the most serious violent incidents in the university’s history and has triggered an active, ongoing law-enforcement response. Wikipedia
What Happened
At approximately 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time, an individual armed with a firearm opened fire near the Barus & Holley Engineering and Physics Building—a central academic facility that houses lecture halls, laboratories, and classrooms. The shooting occurred during the second day of final examinations, a period when student traffic in academic buildings is unusually high. KPBS Public Media
Confirmed casualties include:
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Two people killed at the scene. KPBS Public Media
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Eight individuals critically but stably injured and one with non-life-threatening wounds. KPBS Public Media
All the confirmed victims are reported to be Brown University students, according to multiple official briefings. KPBS Public Media
Medical personnel transported the injured to Rhode Island Hospital, the closest major medical facility. Several patients required intensive care. WJCT News 89.9
Suspect and Law Enforcement Response
At the time of this writing, no suspect has been apprehended. Authorities describe the person of interest as a male dressed in black, seen exiting the Barus & Holley building onto Hope Street on foot. A short surveillance video released by police shows this individual, but it does not reveal his face, and no weapon has been recovered. KPBS Public Media
The Providence Police Department, with support from state and federal agencies including the FBI, has established a broad operational perimeter around parts of the campus and adjacent neighborhoods. Residents, students, and faculty have been instructed to shelter in place—locking doors, staying out of sight, and avoiding travel until further notice. WJCT News 89.9
Earlier conflicting reports that a suspect had been detained were subsequently corrected by law enforcement: the individual initially questioned was not involved in the shooting. WJCT News 89.9
Official Statements and Community Impact
Brown University and local government officials have expressed profound shock and sorrow. University leadership issued repeated emergency alerts during the incident, emphasizing safety measures and cooperation with police. Officials stressed that student and staff welfare remains the top priority. ABC7 San Francisco
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee addressed the press, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the commitment of local and federal agencies to identify and detain the shooter. The governor described the day as “unthinkable” for the university and the city. Yahoo
Context and Background
Brown University, founded in 1764, is one of the eight Ivy League universities, known globally for its academic rigor and liberal arts tradition. It enrolls approximately 7,300 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate students. Wikipedia
This shooting marks a rare and deeply disturbing departure from the campus’s historical experience, as it is believed to be the first mass shooting on an Ivy League campus. Wikipedia
Ongoing Investigation
As of now:
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The suspect remains at large. KPBS Public Media
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No weapon has been publicly identified or recovered. WJCT News 89.9
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Law enforcement continues active search operations both on campus and in surrounding communities. WJCT News 89.9
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and are reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts to develop additional leads.
Key Facts (Quick Reference)
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Location: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. Wikipedia
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Incident: Active shooter / mass shooting on campus. KPBS Public Media
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Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025, around 4:05 p.m. ET. KPBS Public Media
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Casualties: At least 2 fatalities and 9 wounded. WJCT News 89.9
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Suspect: Male in dark clothing; no arrest yet. KPBS Public Media
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Situation: Active investigation and manhunt ongoing; shelter-in-place orders advised. WJCT News 89.9
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Brown University Shooting: What We Know So Far About the Active Shooter Incident in Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island — An active shooter report at Brown University, one of the nation’s eight Ivy League schools, triggered a massive law-enforcement response and campus lockdown on Saturday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the university community and the city of Providence.
Authorities confirmed that multiple people were injured in a shooting reported near academic buildings on Brown’s campus. The situation unfolded rapidly, prompting emergency alerts, shelter-in-place orders, and a citywide police operation as officials worked to secure the area and search for a suspect.
This is a developing story, and details continue to emerge.
Where Is Brown University Located?
Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, in the northeastern United States. The campus sits on the city’s East Side, near neighborhoods such as College Hill and Thayer Street, and is closely integrated with the surrounding community.
Brown is a private Ivy League university, founded in 1764, and is widely recognized for its academic excellence and open curriculum.
What Happened at Brown University?
According to initial reports from local and national news outlets, gunfire was reported on campus Saturday afternoon, leading Brown University officials to issue emergency alerts warning of an active shooter.
Students, faculty, and staff were instructed to:
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Shelter in place
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Lock doors
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Stay away from windows
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Silence mobile devices
Law enforcement agencies, including Providence police and state authorities, responded within minutes, securing campus buildings and nearby streets.
Casualties and Injuries
Officials have confirmed that multiple individuals were shot during the incident. Some victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the names or detailed conditions of the victims, pending family notification.
University officials emphasized that medical teams responded quickly and that victim support services are being arranged.
Suspect Status
As of the latest official update:
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No confirmed suspect has been publicly identified
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Authorities continue to investigate and review surveillance footage
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Police have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information
Law enforcement has not ruled out any motive and has cautioned that early details may change as the investigation progresses.
Response From University and City Leaders
Brown University President Christina Paxson issued a statement expressing deep concern for the campus community and gratitude for first responders. The university confirmed it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and prioritizing student safety.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley called the incident “deeply troubling” and urged residents to rely on official sources for updates while the investigation remains active.
Why This Story Matters
School shootings remain a deeply sensitive issue across the United States. An incident at an Ivy League institution like Brown University underscores that gun violence impacts communities of all sizes and reputations.
The event has reignited national conversations about campus safety, emergency preparedness, and gun violence prevention.
What’s Next
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Police continue to secure the area and gather evidence
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Additional official updates are expected
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Counseling and support services are being expanded for students and staff
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Classes and campus activities may be adjusted pending safety reviews
Readers are encouraged to follow official Brown University alerts, local Providence authorities, and trusted national news organizations for confirmed updates.
Key Facts at a Glance
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University: Brown University
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Location: Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Type: Ivy League private university
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Incident: Active shooter / campus shooting (reported)
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Status: Investigation ongoing
Disclaimer
This article reflects information available at the time of publication. Details may change as authorities release additional verified information.
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