PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A tragic shooting at Brown University has left two people dead and nine others injured. The incident unfolded Saturday afternoon in a classroom during final engineering exams, prompting police to scour the campus and surrounding neighborhoods in search of the shooter.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect, dressed in black, calmly leaving the scene, although authorities are unsure if he is a student. Some witnesses reported that he may have been wearing a camouflage mask. University President Christina Paxson indicated that most of the victims were students, and the situation quickly escalated, forcing students to shelter in place until order was restored.
The shooting paralyzed the campus and its nearby neighborhoods, which were unusually quiet during what should have been a lively weekend. Students took cover in nearby buildings, while police led some evacuees to safety.
Following the gunfire, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley advised residents near the campus to stay inside while the search for the shooter continued. He expressed heartbreak alongside the university community, highlighting the need for safety amid the chaos.
The quick response from law enforcement and medical teams saw nine victims transported to Rhode Island Hospital, with several in critical condition. Authorities are focusing their efforts on tracking down the perpetrator, who is believed to have used a handgun during the attack.
Eyewitness accounts describe the immediate aftermath of the shooting as students rushed to find safety. Emma Ferraro, a chemical engineering student, recounted her experience of hearing gunshots and fleeing for safety. In a separate account, Eva Erickson, a doctoral student who was a contestant on 'Survivor', narrowly escaped the scene just minutes before the chaos unfolded.
Amid discussions about campus safety and gun violence in educational institutions, many students shared their feelings of disbelief and fear. With Brown University being one of the most prestigious in the country, this event has sent shockwaves through the academic community.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to seek information regarding the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
