An active shooter incident unfolded Saturday afternoon at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, forcing the Ivy League campus into lockdown as law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire. Emergency alerts instructed students and faculty to shelter in place while police secured the area. The incident occurred during finals week, heightening fear and confusion across campus.
The shooting was reported inside the Barus & Holley Engineering building, a heavily used academic facility. Providence police, along with state and federal authorities, responded within minutes. Multiple victims were transported to area hospitals, and emergency crews remained on scene throughout the evening as investigators worked to assess the situation.
University officials initially issued limited information, focusing on safety instructions rather than details. Conflicting early reports added to the uncertainty, with authorities later clarifying that the threat had not yet been fully resolved at the time of the lockdown. Students were warned to remain indoors until further notice.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson addressed the campus community, expressing grief and emphasizing that student safety remained the institution’s top priority. Counseling services and emergency resources were mobilized as the university worked with law enforcement to support those affected.
Providence city officials and Rhode Island state leaders pledged full cooperation in the response. Police maintained a strong presence around the campus perimeter, urging the public to avoid the area while the investigation continued. The incident drew national attention amid ongoing debates over campus security and public safety.
The shooting disrupted what is typically a quiet period of academic focus and underscored vulnerabilities even at elite institutions. As authorities worked to restore order, students and families awaited further updates, calling for accountability and stronger measures to prevent future violence.
