Providence, Rhode Island, December 14, 2025
A tragic shooting occurred at Brown University, resulting in two deaths and nine injuries during final exams. The suspect has been apprehended and investigations are ongoing. The campus is in a state of heightened security with support services being offered to students as the community grapples with the impact of this incident.
Providence, Rhode Island
Two Dead, Nine Injured in Brown University Shooting; Suspect in Custody
On December 13, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, resulting in two fatalities and nine injuries. The incident took place in the Barus & Holley engineering building during final exams, leading to a campus-wide lockdown. Authorities have detained a person of interest, and the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, though parts of the campus remain restricted.
Details of the Incident
The shooting unfolded around 4:05 p.m. EST in a first-floor classroom of the Barus & Holley building, which houses the School of Engineering and the Physics Department. The suspect, described as a male in his 30s, dressed in black, and possibly wearing a mask, fired over 40 rounds from a handgun before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage captured the suspect walking away from the building minutes after the attack. A person of interest was later taken into custody at a hotel in Coventry, approximately 20 miles from the university. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the suspect is connected to the university. The nine injured individuals were transported to Rhode Island Hospital, with one in critical condition, others in stable condition, and one discharged. A ninth person suffered non-life-threatening injuries from bullet fragments but did not sustain a gunshot wound. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, though parts of the campus remain restricted, and a heavy police presence continues. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, actively involved. The university has canceled all final exams and classes for the remainder of the semester and is offering support services to students. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Brown University President Christina Paxson have expressed deep concern and are working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community. The incident has reignited discussions on gun violence and campus safety, with local and national leaders calling for increased measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Background Context
Brown University, an Ivy League institution, is located in Providence, Rhode Island. The Barus & Holley building is a seven-story structure that includes more than 100 laboratories, dozens of classrooms, and offices. The university has approximately 7,300 undergraduate students and over 3,000 graduate students. The shooting occurred during the second day of final exams for the fall semester, a time when the campus is typically bustling with students preparing for exams. The incident has deeply affected the university community and the city of Providence, prompting increased security measures and a reevaluation of campus safety protocols. Local and national leaders have expressed their condolences and are working to support the victims and their families during this difficult time.
FAQ
What happened during the shooting at Brown University?
On December 13, 2025, a shooting occurred in the Barus & Holley engineering building at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, during final exams. The suspect fired over 40 rounds from a handgun, resulting in two fatalities and nine injuries. The suspect, described as a male in his 30s, dressed in black, and possibly wearing a mask, fled the scene. A person of interest has been detained, and the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, though parts of the campus remain restricted.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, actively involved. A person of interest was taken into custody at a hotel in Coventry, approximately 20 miles from the university. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the suspect is connected to the university. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted, though parts of the campus remain restricted, and a heavy police presence continues.
How is the university responding to the incident?
Brown University has canceled all final exams and classes for the remainder of the semester. The university is offering support services to students and is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community. President Christina Paxson has expressed deep concern and is coordinating with local authorities to address the situation.
What is the background of Brown University?
Brown University is an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. The Barus & Holley building is a seven-story structure that includes more than 100 laboratories, dozens of classrooms, and offices. The university has approximately 7,300 undergraduate students and over 3,000 graduate students. The shooting occurred during the second day of final exams for the fall semester, a time when the campus is typically bustling with students preparing for exams.
How has the community responded to the shooting?
The incident has deeply affected the university community and the city of Providence. Local and national leaders have expressed their condolences and are working to support the victims and their families during this difficult time. The shooting has reignited discussions on gun violence and campus safety, prompting increased security measures and a reevaluation of campus safety protocols.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island |
| Date and Time | December 13, 2025, around 4:05 p.m. EST |
| Incident | Shooting in Barus & Holley engineering building during final exams |
| Casualties | 2 fatalities, 9 injuries (1 critical, 8 stable) |
| Suspect Description | Male in his 30s, dressed in black, possibly wearing a mask |
| Investigation Status | Person of interest detained; investigation ongoing |
| University Response | Final exams and classes canceled; support services offered |
| Community Impact | Deep concern; increased security measures; reevaluation of campus safety protocols |
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