Mass Shooting at Brown University Leaves Two Dead

At least two people were killed and nine others wounded in a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on December 13, 2025. The shooting occurred inside a first-floor classroom of the Barus & Holley engineering building during final exams, just after 4 p.m. local time.

Providence Deputy Police Chief Tim O'Hara confirmed that the suspect, described as a male dressed in black, managed to escape the scene. Authorities are conducting an active manhunt, and a shelter-in-place order was enacted for the university and surrounding neighborhoods.

Brown University President Christina H. Paxson expressed deep sorrow for the victims, stating, "This is a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families, and our local community." Eight of the injured were reported in critical condition at Rhode Island Hospital, while one additional victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries from fragments.

Police are examining security footage that allegedly shows the suspect fleeing the scene, but no weapon has yet been recovered. Governor Dan McKee called the attack "an unthinkable tragedy". President Donald Trump was briefed on the situation and expressed condolences, stating, "What a terrible thing it is, and all we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt." The incident has reignited debates on campus safety and gun control in the U.S., particularly as it unfolded during a vulnerable time amidst final exams.