Brown University Shooting: 2 Dead, Manhunt Underway in Providence

The shooting — where and when

According to university alerts and law enforcement statements, the shooting occurred at about 4:22 p.m. ETBarus and Holley building, which houses Brown’s School of Engineering and physics labs. Officials noted outer doors were open because final exams were underway.

Responding officers located victims almost immediately and began evacuations of those who could walk. Police had not publicly recovered the firearm as of late Saturday and said ballistics testing was pending. Early counts varied slightly; officials cautioned casualty totals could change as investigators continued work.

Sources: YouTube briefing (video); WGLT local report

The suspect and the manhunt

Police described the suspect as a male in his 30s, dressed in all black. Security camera footage shared by investigators allegedly shows a person matching that description leaving the scene; investigators have not released further identifying details such as height or build.

Authorities launched an expansive search across campus and nearby neighborhoods. Agencies involved included Providence Police (lead), Rhode Island SWAT teams and FBI evidence-response and victim-coordinator teams. The public was urged to shelter indoors and to share any footage that might help identify and locate the suspect.

Sources: YouTube briefing (video); YouTube raw footage (video)

Campus reaction and safety measures

Brown University issued multiple alerts via campus apps and X, instructing students and staff to avoid the Barus and Holley building and to take shelter. The university canceled Sunday exams and offered counseling and support services to students and families. President Christina H. Paxson confirmed that everyone killed or injured in the incident was a Brown student.

Students and parents described a tense, surreal atmosphere as people locked doors and sheltered in place while finals were underway. University public safety and local law enforcement worked to secure buildings and evacuate those in immediate danger.

Source: YouTube briefing and coverage

Official responses and wider reaction

National leaders and advocacy groups responded as details emerged. President Donald Trump said he had been briefed and urged prayers for the victims, while the White House said it was monitoring the situation. Gun-control advocates and campus-safety organizations issued early statements calling for swift action and information as investigators worked the scene.

Investigators asked the public to submit photos and videos from the area and said they were reviewing security-camera footage. Local media and law-enforcement briefings emphasized caution while the manhunt continued into the night.

Source: YouTube briefing

Evidence, investigations and unanswered questions

As of late Saturday, detailed forensics results had not been released. Ballistics testing was expected to be central to identifying the weapon used. Investigators planned to trace the suspect’s movements using security-camera footage and any public videos shared by witnesses.

Key unresolved questions include motive, the firearm type, whether the suspect had a connection to victims or the university, and whether others were involved. Authorities asked anyone with information — including video captured on phones in and around the Barus and Holley building — to contact investigators.

Source: YouTube briefing

Reporting notes and sources

This is a developing story based on reports up to late Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Some casualty figures and details vary slightly across early reports. Primary sources for this article include live briefings and early coverage:

• YouTube briefing and raw footage (video 1)
• YouTube briefing and raw footage (video 2)
• WGLT local reporting
• WGCU local reporting

Reporting credits: Times Media Service; live briefings and early coverage (video 1; video 2); local reporting (WGLT; WGCU).

Implications for the Inland Empire, California

Although the shooting occurred across the country, communities in the Inland Empire may feel ripple effects:

• Economic impact: Families in the region with children at out-of-state colleges could face unplanned travel expenses. Local colleges may increase security spending and insurance costs as campuses reassess safety ahead of exams and holiday travel.
• Political consequences: The event is likely to resurface debates in California about gun policy and campus safety. Local leaders may face pressure to review mental-health services and emergency preparedness measures.
• Social effects: Anxiety among parents and students preparing for winter break may increase; schools and community groups may organize counseling, outreach, and vigils in solidarity with Brown students.
• Practical steps: Colleges and authorities should review emergency protocols now — test alert systems, coordinate evacuation routes with police, ensure counseling services are ready, and remind families about official alert channels.

If you are in the Inland Empire and have a student at Brown or another out-of-state school, check with the university for the latest information and confirm your contact and travel plans. Contact campus public safety or local police for verified updates.

“Investigators ask anyone with information, including videos captured on phones in and around the Barus and Holley building, to contact them immediately.”