Incident Overview
According to Reuters, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed in a press conference that police are searching for the shooter who targeted the Bars and Holly Engineering building at Brown University while exams were underway. The attacker, dressed in black, fled the scene, and police are reviewing surveillance footage to identify him.
Victims and Response
Officials have not yet disclosed whether the victims were students. Mayor Smiley expressed sorrow, noting the tragedy occurred just days before Christmas. Brown University immediately went into lockdown, instructing students to shelter in place.
A student, Chiang Heng, told local media that he and three classmates hid under desks for nearly two hours after hearing gunfire nearby.
National Reaction
President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that he had been briefed on the incident, calling it “very tragic” and urging prayers for the victims and their families.
Security Measures
Hours after the attack, police released CCTV footage showing the suspect in black clothing near the building. A massive security operation is underway in Providence, with armed officers deployed around the university and surrounding areas.
Broader Context
International outlets highlight that the Brown University shooting adds to a growing trend of mass shootings in the U.S. in 2025. Data from the Gun Violence Archive (GVA) shows 389 such incidents this year, each involving at least four victims excluding the attacker.
With the two deaths at Brown University, the total fatalities from public mass shootings in 2025 have reached 346, while more than 1,800 people have been injured.
Current Situation
Brown University remains under lockdown, with students confined to their rooms and heightened security in place. Police continue to search for the suspect, whose identity and motive remain unknown.