At least two people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at Brown University on Saturday (Sunday NZT), prompting a large police response and campus lockdown measures, Stuff has reported.
An official, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said details of the ongoing investigation could not be publicly discussed. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley later confirmed that two people had died and nine others were critically injured in the incident.
University authorities initially informed students and staff that a suspect was in custody, but later clarified that this was not the case. Police were continuing to search for a suspect or suspects, according to alerts issued through Brown’s emergency notification system.
A witness described seeing emergency responders at the scene. “I started seeing a bunch of cars going towards the scene, and I saw someone on the ground, unfortunately. It looked like they were getting CPR,” witness Jib Daya told WJAR. “I saw about two people getting carried away on the stretcher,” as quoted by Stuff.
Providence Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara said officers were still searching for those responsible and had released an image of a suspect believed to be leaving the scene. Authorities urged people on campus to remain cautious.
“We’re still getting information about what’s going on, but we’re just telling people to lock their doors and to stay vigilant,” said Providence Council member John Goncalves, whose ward includes the Brown campus. “As a Brown alum, someone who loves the Brown community and represents this area, I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to all the family members and the folks who’ve been impacted,” as quoted by Stuff.
The shooting occurred near the Barus & Holley building, a seven-storey complex housing the university’s School of Engineering and physics department. The building contains more than 100 laboratories, along with numerous classrooms and offices. Engineering design exams were reportedly underway in the building at the time of the shooting.
US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the incident. “God bless the victims and the families of the victims!” he said on his social media site, Stuff has reported.
Students were instructed to shelter in place as police secured the area, while the public was advised to avoid the campus. Police also warned the media at the scene to take cover in vehicles, as the situation remained active.
City officials stressed that information remained preliminary. Kristy DosReis, the chief public information officer for Providence, said police were continuing to investigate and gather details. The FBI confirmed it was assisting with the response.
Brown University, an Ivy League private institution, has around 7,300 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate students. Saturday marked the second day of final exams for the fall semester, as reported by Stuff.