On Saturday, December 13, 2025, a deadly mass shooting unfolded at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, shaking one of the United States’ historic Ivy League campuses during a time when students were preparing for or taking final exams.
What Happened
Shortly after 4:00 p.m. EST, reports emerged of gunfire near the Barus & Holley Engineering and Physics building, a central academic space on campus. Law enforcement and campus officials issued urgent active-shooter alerts via Brown’s emergency notification system, directing students and staff to shelter in place, lock doors, silence phones, and follow “run, hide, fight” procedures.
Casualties and Victims
Officials confirmed that:
- Two people were killed in the shooting.
- Nine others were wounded and transported to nearby hospitals, with many in critical or serious condition.
- Most of the known victims were students, though details on identities have not been fully released.
The exact motive behind the attack remains unknown, and authorities have not yet identified or apprehended a suspect.
Response and Manhunt
A major manhunt was launched across Providence, involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Brown University’s president and city officials urged the community to remain vigilant as the search for the shooter continued into the evening.
Campus Lockdown & Community Shock
Throughout the afternoon and evening, the normally bustling university and surrounding neighborhood remained in lockdown. Students and faculty were confined to classrooms, dorms, and other secure locations for hours as emergency responders scoured the area.
Broader Context
Mass shootings on American campuses are relatively rare but deeply traumatic events, often reigniting nationwide debates about gun violence, public safety, and emergency preparedness in educational institutions. This incident occurred during final exam period, compounding the fear and disruption experienced by students and their families.
🔎 Key Facts
- Location: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 🏛️
- Date & Time: December 13, 2025 — around 4:00 p.m. EST 🕓
- Casualties: 2 dead, 9 wounded 🔫
- Suspect Status: At large; manhunt ongoing 🚨
- Campus Status: Shelter-in-place orders issued; large law enforcement presence 📢
📌 Why This Matters
This tragedy highlights ongoing challenges in campus security and the profound emotional impact such violence inflicts on students, educators, and communities. It underscores the necessity of robust emergency protocols and sustained dialogue about preventing gun violence in the U.S.
References
- Brown University shooting: 2 dead, nine wounded, suspect at large — The Independent AP News
- Police hunt for gunman after Brown University shooting — Reuters Reuters
- Police and university respond to active shooter on campus — AP News / Providence Journal reporting AP News
