Two dead and eight injured in school shooting at Brown University.

In a tragic incident that has shook the community of Providence, Rhode Island, an active shooter on the esteemed Brown University campus has left two individuals dead and eight others critically injured. As examinations were ongoing, the event unfolded, casting a shadow over the academic environment and prompting swift responses from law enforcement and university officials alike. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges that educational institutions face in navigating safety amidst rising incidents of gun violence across the United States.

Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence, Rhode Island, confirmed the fatalities and reported that eight individuals are currently in critical condition following an active shooter situation at Brown University. The incident occurred during an examination period on Saturday, marking a traumatic turn in the lives of students and faculty at the Ivy League institution.

Authorities have indicated that the suspect is still at large, describing him as a man dressed in black who fled the scene on foot. At a press conference later in the day, Smiley noted the distressing details emerging from the investigation, stating that they received notification of the shooting through a 911 call around 4:05 p.m. local time (21:05 GMT).

“I can confirm that there are two individuals who have died this afternoon, and there are another eight in critical status, though stable, at Rhode Island Hospital,” Smiley said. He reiterated the ongoing nature of the investigation and withheld the identities of the victims pending further inquiry.

Following the outbreak of violence, Brown University issued an emergency alert at approximately 4:22 p.m. local time, advising students and faculty to lock doors, silence phones, and stay hidden until it was safe. The university provided guidance instructing individuals to “RUN” if they could safely evacuate, “HIDE” if evacuation was not possible, or “FIGHT” as a last resort.

Responding law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the engineering lab building where the shooting occurred but did not locate the suspect. Providence Police Chief Timothy O’Hara stated that it remains unclear how the suspect gained access to the premises, noting that he exited onto Hope Street.

Around 5:27 p.m. local time (22:27 GMT), additional reports indicated that shots had been fired near Governor Street, approximately two blocks from the engineering lab. Initial reports suggested that a suspect may have been detained, but these later proved inaccurate, with authorities clarifying that the search for the shooter continues.

In an online statement, U.S. President Donald Trump also faced scrutiny for incorrectly announcing that a suspect had been apprehended before retracting the claim. “I have been briefed on the shooting that took place at Brown University in Rhode Island,” Trump wrote. “The FBI is on the scene.”

Law enforcement remained present on campus as the situation developed, and an investigation is ongoing. This unfortunate event marks the second significant incident of gun violence on a university campus within a week, following a shooting at Kentucky State University where one student died, and another sustained critical injuries.

The prevalence of gun violence has significantly impacted the academic landscape in the U.S., where many institutions now conduct active shooter preparedness drills. As of December 9, the Gun Violence Archive reported that there have been at least 389 mass shootings this year, which they define as incidents where four or more individuals are shot or killed, exclusive of the perpetrator.

Saturday’s shooting reflects a growing concern surrounding campus safety, particularly at a time when Brown University was concluding its fall semester, with final examinations scheduled until December 20. Mayor Smiley urged the community to come together for support in the aftermath of this tragedy.

“It’s going to be a difficult rest of the day, difficult weeks, and months ahead as this community heals,” he remarked. “Each and every one of us can play a small role in that, by supporting one’s neighbor.”

Governor Dan McKee also expressed his condolences and noted his communication with the White House and other state leaders regarding the incident. “The unthinkable has happened,” he stated, extending thoughts to those affected and pledging support to local authorities.

As this story develops, further updates will be provided, revealing more about this tragic event that has deeply affected the Brown University community.

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