Two Dead, Nine Injured in Shooting at Brown University Engineering Building
Gunfire erupted inside a Brown University engineering building Thursday afternoon, leaving two people dead and nine others critically injured during what should have been a routine final exam review session.
The shooting, which occurred at approximately 4:05 p.m. EST in Room 166 of the Barus and Holley Building, targeted students attending an introductory economics class review, according to university officials. Providence authorities have confirmed that a person of interest in their 20s was taken into custody overnight at a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island, though no charges have been filed yet.
“There was an individual who was preliminarily thought to be involved and was later determined to have no involvement, and that’s why we can confirm at this time, there is nobody in custody,” authorities initially stated. This was later corrected when investigators confirmed detaining someone at the hotel.
Campus in Shock
The Providence mayor confirmed the tragic toll of the incident, while Brown University’s president noted that at least eight victims, including the two deceased, were students. “The Brown community’s heart is breaking and Providence’s heart is breaking along with it,” the mayor said during a somber press conference.
What exactly happened during those terrifying moments? Surveillance footage captured the suspect, dressed entirely in black, walking calmly away from the scene. Witnesses reported the shooter may have worn a camouflage mask during the attack, which authorities believe was carried out with a handgun.
The timing couldn’t have been more devastating – the violence erupted during final exams week, when students were already under significant stress. The Barus and Holley Building, which houses engineering classrooms and laboratories, became the site of a frantic police response as students and faculty barricaded themselves in rooms or fled the area.
Investigation Continues
Law enforcement initially provided conflicting information about the suspect, first describing the person in custody as “in their 30s” before correcting the age to someone in their 20s. They’ve also indicated they aren’t searching for additional suspects.
Students who witnessed the attack described scenes of panic and confusion. One moment they were reviewing economic principles; the next, they were running for their lives or attempting to help injured classmates.
“Our focus right now is on supporting the families who have been affected by this,” a university spokesperson emphasized. The university has established counseling services and a dedicated hotline for students and families seeking information.
The campus remains under heightened security as investigators continue processing the crime scene and interviewing witnesses. Classes have been canceled, and final exams postponed as the community begins the difficult process of healing.
This marks the latest in a series of shootings at American educational institutions, reopening painful national conversations about campus security, gun control, and mental health resources for young adults.
