Several individuals were shot on the Brown University campus during an active shooter incident.

On December 9, 2025, a tragic shooting unfolded on the campus of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, resulting in at least two fatalities and multiple injuries. Authorities have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and details remain limited due to the sensitive nature of the incident. A law enforcement source confirmed these developments to the Media News Source, although specifics concerning the investigation were not disclosed.

Initially, university officials alerted students and staff that a suspect was in custody. However, this information was later retracted, and the university issued updates through its emergency notification system, advising that authorities were still actively searching for one or more suspects. The shooting prompted immediate measures, including an active shooter alert, urging students and staff to seek shelter amidst an atmosphere of heightened anxiety during the second day of final examinations.

The incident occurred near the Barus & Holley building, which is home to the School of Engineering and the physics department. The complex features over 100 laboratories, numerous classrooms, and offices, creating a vibrant academic environment. Tragically, engineering design examinations were underway in the building at the time of the shooting.

Local authorities, including Councilmember John Goncalves, responded to the incident with a call for vigilance. Goncalves, a Brown alumnus who represents the area, expressed his heartbreak over the losses and extended condolences to the affected families and members of the community. The realities of this incident have reverberated throughout the university, highlighting the urgent need for safety and preparedness in educational environments.

In response to the crisis, students were instructed to remain indoors while law enforcement personnel assessed the situation. Coverage from various media outlets was monitored carefully, with police cautioning members of the press to take cover as the area remained an active scene. Kristy DosReis, the city of Providence’s chief public information officer, indicated that police were diligently gathering information from the site, with the FBI lending assistance in the response efforts.

Brown University, a prestigious private institution, boasts approximately 7,300 undergraduate students and over 3,000 graduate students. As the community navigates the aftermath of this devastating event, the university’s administrations and local authorities are working collaboratively to ensure the safety and support of those affected. The broader implications of the shooting will likely resonate throughout discussions on campus safety and gun violence prevention in educational settings.