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Police search for gunman after campus shooting kills two
Providence, Rhode Island - Authorities are conducting an urgent search for a suspect after a shooting at Brown University on Saturday left two students dead and nine others injured. The attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. local time in a classroom where exams were being held.
Campus locked down as suspect remains at large
The university, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the U.S., was placed under lockdown as police scoured the area for the unidentified gunman. Students in parts of the campus were instructed to shelter in place until officers could escort them to safety.
Rhode Island Hospital officials reported that most of the injured are in critical but stable condition. The identities of the victims have not been released.
Witnesses describe chaotic scene
An economics professor told Ocean State Radio that the shooting erupted during a review session led by her teaching assistant. According to the professor, Rachel Friedberg, the attacker entered the room, shouted something unintelligible, and opened fire.
"Students scrambled to escape, trying to take cover in the stadium-style seating, but people were hit," Friedberg said.
Providence Deputy Police Chief Tim O'Hara stated that the suspect was dressed entirely in black and may have been wearing a mask. Authorities have not determined the type of firearm used or recovered the weapon.
No motive or suspect details released
Police have shared limited information about the suspect, including whether he has any connection to the university. Surveillance footage showed the individual leaving the building after the attack, but his face was not visible.
O'Hara confirmed that additional armed officers were deployed to assist in the search, emphasizing that every resource was being utilized to locate the gunman.
Community reacts with shock and grief
Brown University President Christina Paxson called the incident "a day we hoped would never come," expressing devastation for the campus community. University exams scheduled for Saturday were canceled, and officials began escorting people from non-residential buildings to safe locations.
Mari Camara, a 20-year-old student, recounted hiding in a restaurant for three hours after hearing gunfire. She described the atmosphere as one of shock and terror.
"Everyone is just as scared as I am. It's unimaginable that this happened here," Camara told the Associated Press.
Officials respond as investigation continues
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called the shooting "an unthinkable tragedy," extending condolences to those affected. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters after attending the Army-Navy football game, described the incident as "a terrible thing" and urged prayers for the victims.
The attack marks the 389th mass shooting in the U.S. this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines such incidents as involving four or more victims, excluding the perpetrator.
