Gunman Entered Brown University Classroom, Witness Describes Chaos and Terror Experienced by Students
On Saturday afternoon, a tragic incident unfolded at Brown University, leading to chaos and heartbreak within the campus community. Joseph Oduro, a senior and teaching assistant tasked with guiding students through their introductory economics course, had just concluded a study session with approximately 60 students when distressing sounds pierced the atmosphere. Loud bangs, accompanied by screams, prompted immediate panic as a man dressed in black forcefully entered the auditorium-style classroom located in the Barus and Holley engineering and physics building.
Oduro, 21, described his initial reaction upon encountering the armed intruder: a solitary impulse to take cover. The situation escalated quickly, and Oduro found himself crouched behind the podium he had recently occupied, offering encouragement to his students just moments before. As he sheltered himself, the air filled with the sounds of gunfire and frantic cries for help. Students instinctively began to flee, some exiting through side doors while others sought refuge alongside Oduro, maintaining silence amid the turmoil.
Among those huddled nearby was a first-year student from Massachusetts who sustained two gunshot wounds to her leg. Oduro reached out to her, seeking to provide comfort and reassurance during the horrifying ordeal. In an effort to help her cope, he held her hand, encouraging her to channel her pain towards him and repeatedly assuring her that she would be alright.
The attack resulted in the tragic deaths of two students and left nine others injured, according to official reports. Early Sunday, a person of interest was apprehended by law enforcement, as confirmed by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.
It remains unclear how long Oduro and his classmates had to wait for police assistance. The horrifying nature of the event unfolded before them, and Oduro’s first clear recollection of the circumstances emerged only as he was escorted out by authorities. He later expressed the emotional toll of witnessing his students in such distress and pain.
After spending critical hours at the hospital to support the injured student, Oduro eventually sought refuge at a friend’s residence off-campus. Exhaustion weighed heavily on him as he processed the events of the day. In light of the tragedy, Brown University canceled all remaining exams and classes for the semester, acknowledging the mental and emotional impact on its community. As the university grapples with the aftermath of this violent episode, the priority remains on healing and support for those affected.
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