Shooting At Brown University Leaves At Least 2 Dead, 9 Injured

UPDATE: Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence said on Sunday that a person of interest from the shooting has been detained.

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A shooting at Brown University has left two people dead, and nine injured.

On Saturday afternoon, officials at the school alerted students that there was an active shooter near the Barus and Holley engineering building, according to Fox News. A text alert instructed students to “lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice.”

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley provided information about the casualties during a Saturday evening press conference.

“I can confirm that there are two individuals who have died this afternoon, and there are another eight in critical status, though stable … those are the only injuries or casualties that we know at this time,” Smiley stated.

BREAKING: Two people are dead and eight are injured following a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, the mayor said, noting the numbers may change. Contrary to earlier reports, the suspect is not in custody.

pic.twitter.com/Ax95lQLFMP

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 13, 2025

Initial reports said the shooter was in custody, but that turned out not to be the case. The latest update from Brown University confirmed the mayor’s statement, and said no suspects were in custody.

“We are very sorry to share that we have confirmed reports of two deceased victims from the active shooting situation at the Barus & Holley engineering building,” the statement said. “There are eight additional victims in critical, but stable condition at the hospital. There remains a shelter in place order. The shooter or shooters still are not in custody at this time. Law enforcement is active in the area.”

???? BREAKING: MASSIVE police and rescue response at Brown University as the manhunt for a mass shooter intensifies

Despite Brown initially saying a suspect is in custody, they’re now saying NO suspects are in custody, and the shooter is AT LARGE

Pray ???????? pic.twitter.com/y6gGSByPn6

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 13, 2025

Authorities said the suspect is a “male dressed in black,” but that is all that’s known so far. “We are utilizing every resource possible to find this suspect,” police said.

???? BREAKING: Police say the only description they have of the at-large shooter at Brown University is a “male dressed in black”

He left the building out on Hope Street in Providence, and his current whereabouts are unknown.

Police are begging people to PLEASE stay away while… pic.twitter.com/OuIOUm1ANu

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 13, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel issued a statement on X, saying the law enforcement agency is “on the scene.”

FBI personnel are on the scene and assisting this evening after the shooting at Brown University and we will provide all capabilities necessary. Please pray for all those involved. We will update with more information as we are able.

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) December 13, 2025