Horror at Brown University: 2 Dead, 8 Gravely Injured After Shooting During Final Exams

In a deeply devastating moment for the Ivy League and the broader academic world, Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, was struck by a violent shooting on the afternoon of December 13, 2025, leaving two people dead and eight others critically injured as final exam week unfolded across campus. Law enforcement officials say the suspected gunman remains at large, triggering an intense manhunt and a shelter-in-place order that gripped students, faculty, and neighbors in fear throughout the evening. Wikipedia

The chaos began shortly after 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) when emergency contacts and 911 calls poured in reporting gunfire near the Barus & Holley Engineering and Physics Building — a central hub on Brown’s campus where students were writing crucial end-of-semester examinations. At that moment, many inside believed they were facing the unthinkable. Wikipedia

“It was total panic,” said one eyewitness who was inside the building when shots rang out. Students scrambled for cover, diving beneath desks, barricading doors with chairs, and desperately trying to reach loved ones. The university’s emergency alert system buzzed into phones with instructions to lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden while the threat unfolded outside. The Guardian

Within minutes, Providence Police and campus security were swarming the area, followed shortly thereafter by state and federal agencies including the FBI and ATF. Despite this rapid response, officials confirmed that no suspect had been taken into custody by early evening — and authorities were still combing the campus and nearby streets for any sign of the shooter, described only as a male clad in black who was last seen fleeing on foot. Reuters

Tragedy in an Academic Haven

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley addressed reporters with a heavy voice, confirming that two people had been killed in the attack. He also said eight others were critically injured and rushed to Rhode Island Hospital. The wounded included both those in critical but stable condition and some whose status remained serious as medical teams worked through the night. Wikipedia

“Nothing prepares you for a moment like this,” Mayor Smiley said at a press briefing. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We are doing everything in our power to find the person responsible and bring them into custody.” The Guardian

Brown University President Christina H. Paxson described the day as “one of the most heartbreaking in the institution’s history.” She pledged ongoing support for the community, including mental health resources for students and staff traumatized by what they witnessed and experienced. “We will pull together as a community,” she said in an official message. WCVB

Shelter-in-Place and Campus Manhunt

As word of the shooting spread, campus life ground to a halt. Students barricaded themselves in classrooms, dorms and offices, clinging to any sense of safety while the shelter-in-place order was in effect. Public transportation near the campus slowed, and residents in surrounding neighborhoods were urged to stay indoors until further notice. Providence Journal

Law enforcement worked through yards, alleys and building perimeters, guided by surveillance footage and witness accounts. A short-lived report claiming a suspect was in custody later proved false, adding confusion to already fraught hours. Authorities quickly corrected that and reiterated that the shooter was still at large. The Guardian

Federal agents joined local police in scouring the campus. Officers with rifles and tactical gear could be seen escorting students to safer zones, and family reunification centers were set up to help loved ones locate missing students and offer updates. WCVB

A Wider Impact

The shooting shocked not only the Brown community but the nation. Officials from across the country, including President Donald Trump, issued statements of sympathy and solidarity with the victims. In remarks delivered from Washington, the president called the tragedy “a terrible, heartbreaking attack” and urged unity and resilience in the face of such violence. Reuters

Providence Governor Dan McKee also condemned the act and vowed full support for investigators and emergency personnel. “We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” he said. ABC News

As investigators dig deeper into the circumstances that led to this brutal assault, questions remain about motive and how a lone attacker could enter a secure academic facility and escape so quickly. Officials have asked anyone with information or video footage from around the Barus & Holley Building between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST to come forward. The Guardian

Community in Mourning

Friends and family of those affected are left grappling with shock, grief and uncertainty. Candlelight vigils and memorials began forming near campus as dusk fell, with students and locals alike leaving flowers, notes, and messages of support. “It’s a day none of us expected to face,” said one student. “We just want answers and peace for our friends who were hurt.” Wikipedia

This tragedy marks another grim chapter in the history of mass shootings on U.S. soil, reigniting debates over campus safety and gun violence prevention. But for now, Brown University mourns deeply — and the search continues for justice and closure in the wake of a day that shattered lives and stunned a community. Wikipedia