As the investigation continues into Saturday’s mass shooting at Brown University that left two dead and nine wounded, scrutiny is growing over the school’s gun-free policy—one that explicitly bans lawful firearm possession, even by licensed concealed carriers.
Brown University’s Weapons and Firearms Policy, last updated June 27, 2025, prohibits the “possession, use, or storage of weapons or firearms” on any university property or at university-sponsored events. The ban applies broadly, including to those with concealed carry permits, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and certain authorized private security personnel.
Despite the strict policy, an armed attacker entered an engineering building on campus Saturday afternoon and opened fire during final exams. Authorities confirmed that the gunman killed two people and injured nine more before fleeing the scene. The campus was placed on lockdown, and the search for the suspect remains ongoing.
The deadly assault has reignited debate over the effectiveness of gun-free zones on college campuses. Critics argue such policies leave students and staff defenseless in active shooter situations, creating soft targets for violent individuals who have no intention of obeying weapon bans.
While Brown officials have defended the policy in the past as a safety measure, Saturday’s attack highlights a stark reality: the gun ban did not prevent the shooter from bringing a firearm onto campus and carrying out a deadly act of violence.
As the suspect remains at large and the university community reels from the tragedy, the incident raises urgent questions about campus security, response readiness, and the real-world consequences of disarming law-abiding citizens in the name of safety.
