Live updates: At least 2 dead, several injured in Brown University shooting; suspect not yet caught
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - A shooter dressed in black killed at least two people and wounded eight others at Brown University on Saturday during final exams on the Ivy League campus, authorities said, as police searched for the suspect.
Officers were hunting through campus buildings and sifting through trash cans more than three hours after the shooting erupted.
The suspect was a male in dark clothing who was last seen leaving the building, said Timothy O’Hara, Deputy Chief of Police.
BROWN SHOOTING UPDATE: 2 dead, 8 critical condition
Officials in the active shooter situation at Brown University have released more information: two dead, eight in critical condition, a suspect not in custody described as a male wearing "black" who exited the campus in the Hope Street area.
Here's the latest:
6:37 p.m. ET
In a news conference, Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley said two people were killed and eight others were critically injured in the shooting.
Police did not immediately release details about the number of victims, their conditions or the circumstances of the shooting.
University officials initially told students and staff that a suspect was in custody, before later saying that was not the case and that police were still searching for a suspect or suspects, according to alerts issued through Brown’s emergency notification system.
"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 Councilmember 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."
UPDATE from Brown University on shooting situation
Brown University is releasing an update on the active shooter situation on campus.
6:30 p.m. ET
According to an AP source, at least two people were killed, and several others injured in a shooting at Brown University.
6:05 p.m. ET
The university said it issued a shelter-in-place alert at 4:22 p.m. after an active shooter was reported near Barus & Holley Engineering and that the scene remains active as police search for the suspect.
Officials confirmed multiple shooting victims, who have been taken to local hospitals, though their conditions are not yet known.
Senior leaders are coordinating with law enforcement and medical teams, working to account for those in the building during scheduled exams, and providing support services for the campus community and families.
The scene at Brown University after an active shooter alert was issued on Dec. 13, 2025. Courtesy: WPRI
5:44 p.m. ET
According to President Donald Trump, he was briefed on the shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island, noting that the FBI is on scene, and he offered prayers for the victims and their families.
5:33 p.m. ET
According to Providence Police, multiple individuals have been shot in the area near Brown University, and because the investigation is active, the public is urged to shelter in place or avoid the area until further notice.
5:31 p.m. ET
Rhode Island’s governor said the state is closely monitoring the shooting at Brown University, with state police and emergency management assisting local authorities, and urged the public to avoid the area and follow official updates.
5:27 p.m. ET
Brown University said in a campus alert that shots were reported near Governor Street and urged everyone to continue sheltering in place as law enforcement responded.
5:23 p.m. ET
Brown University says no one is in custody, correcting its earlier statement, as police respond to an active shooter on campus.
5:11 p.m. ET
According to a Brown University emergency alert, community members are instructed to continue sheltering in place and avoid the Barus & Holley area. Police have not yet taken a suspect into custody and are actively searching for the individual(s). Brown University reports that multiple law-enforcement agencies and emergency medical personnel are on site.
Listen to mother of son on Brown campus call in live
A mother who claims her son was barricaded in a university building on campus at Brown in Rhode Island called into LiveNOW from FOX to discuss an active shooting situation in which multiple are reported shot with at least two dead.
4:22 p.m. ET
An active shooter situation was reported on the campus of Brown University in Rhode Island, and officials said a suspect is now in custody.
The scene at Brown University after an active shooter alert was issued on Dec. 13, 2025. Courtesy: WPRI
What they're saying:
The university put out a statement Saturday:
BrownUAlert: 1st, Urgent: There's an active shooter near Barus & Holley Engineering. Lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice. Remember: RUN, if you are in the affected location, evacuate safely if you can; HIDE, if evacuation is not possible, take cover; FIGHT, as a last resort, take action to protect yourself. Stay tuned for further safety information.
A woman whose son attends the university spoke with LiveNOW from FOX about the updates she's been getting from her son. She said she has been texting with her son, who is currently safe in a barricaded room. She said her son was studying in the library with friends when they heard gunshots and all began running, and that they have been waiting in the barricaded room since.
What's next:
Officials were still gathering information from the active scene, said Kristy DosReis, chief public information officer for the city.
Students attending Brown University walk through the main campus March 19, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island. (Photo by Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images)
Dig deeper:
The Ivy League school is a private, nonprofit institution with about 7,300 undergraduates and just over 3,000 graduate students, according to its website.
Saturday was the second day of final exams for the fall semester.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this report. The information in this story comes entirely from the official alert issued by Brown University, which you provided. This story was reported from Los Angeles.