A manhunt is underway after two students were killed and nine others injured in a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The gunman opened fire in a classroom at around 4:00 PM local time during a session where exams were taking place.
The esteemed university, one of the oldest in the U.S., swiftly went into lockdown as law enforcement began searching for the gunman, who is still at large. In the meantime, students in various parts of the campus are being advised to shelter in place until authorities can escort them safely out.
Officials reported that most injured individuals are in critical but stable condition. The identities of the shooters and victims have yet to be disclosed.
Brown University President Christina Paxson expressed her devastation over the incident, stating, This is a day that we hoped never would come to our community. Meanwhile, police have provided limited information about the male suspect, who was captured on CCTV leaving the building after the shooting. Observers described him as dressed in all black and possibly wearing a mask. It remains unclear what type of weapon was used.
The shooting took place at the Barus and Holley building, part of the engineering school, and the lockdown extended to nearby buildings and residences. The local community has also been advised to remain indoors until further notice, as restaurants and other establishments locked their doors amidst the ongoing emergency.
According to student witnesses, the chaos erupted during a review session, with students scrambling to escape the gunfire. In the aftermath, Rhode Island's governor expressed his despair, calling the incident a tragedy for the community.
Examinations that were scheduled for the day have been canceled as the university grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event. The shooting marks a grim addition to the ongoing issue of gun violence in the U.S., with statistics showing over 380 mass shootings occurring this year alone.
