The Brown University shooting on Saturday afternoon has left the campus shaken after a gunman opened fire inside a classroom, killing two students and wounding at least nine others. Authorities have launched an intensive manhunt as the suspect remains at large, prompting lockdowns across parts of the Providence, Rhode Island campus.
The attack unfolded during final examinations, amplifying panic as students and faculty were ordered to shelter in place while police secured the area.
Classroom Attack During Exams Causes Chaos
According to law enforcement officials, the Brown University shooting occurred inside a large first-floor classroom within an engineering school building. Witnesses reported that the suspect entered the room and began firing indiscriminately before fleeing moments later.
Exams were actively underway at the time, meaning the classroom was densely occupied. Emergency alarms were activated immediately, and university officials issued urgent alerts instructing students to remain indoors and avoid windows.
Victims Hospitalized as Campus Remains on High Alert
Hospital authorities confirmed that two students succumbed to their injuries, while nine others were transported to nearby medical centers. Several of the wounded remain in critical but stable condition, according to officials familiar with the response.
Medical teams continue to treat victims, while counseling services have been mobilized for students, staff, and families affected by the Brown University shooting.
Suspect Still at Large as Police Expand Search
Investigators say the suspect fled the scene before campus police arrived. CCTV footage reviewed by authorities shows an individual dressed in black exiting the building shortly after the shooting. No firearm has been recovered so far.
Police have not released details regarding the suspect’s identity, motive, or any confirmed connection to Brown University. State and federal law enforcement agencies have joined the investigation, expanding the manhunt beyond campus boundaries.
Brown University Enters Lockdown Amid Security Fears
Following the Brown University shooting, officials locked down multiple academic buildings and residence halls. Armed officers were deployed across the campus, and entrances were secured as a precaution.
University leadership canceled all remaining exams and classes for the weekend, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority. Students were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Renewed Debate Over Campus Safety in the US
The Brown University shooting has reignited national conversations around campus security, gun violence, and emergency preparedness at higher-education institutions. While Brown is known for its open-campus environment, critics argue that such accessibility may leave universities vulnerable to violent incidents.
Experts note that shootings during exam periods are particularly traumatic, as stress levels are already elevated and classrooms are at maximum capacity.
Investigation Ongoing as Community Mourns
As investigators work to identify and apprehend the suspect, vigils are being planned across campus to honor the victims. University officials expressed deep sorrow, calling the incident a “devastating tragedy” for the Brown community.
Authorities have urged the public not to speculate as the investigation into the Brown University shooting continues.
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