Police are searching for a gunman who shot dead two students and injured nine others at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The attacker, a man dressed all in black, fled on foot, and a shelter-in-place warning is in effect for the area surrounding the prestigious university. The attack on the campus brings the number of mass shootings in the US to 389 for this year, according to the independent analysis website Gun Violence Archive, which defines mass shootings as having four or more victims killed or injured, not including the attacker.
Here's what we know:
The gunman opened fire in a classroom at around 16:00 local time on Saturday at the Holley engineering building. Final exams were taking place at the time. An economics professor stated that students began to scramble for safety as the shooter yelled and began shooting. Two students were killed and nine others are being treated for injuries, with one in critical condition. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.
Police have released CCTV footage of the suspect, a male dressed in black who walked away from the crime scene, with no weapon visible. Investigators are still trying to ascertain whether the gunman was connected to the university. Authorities have initiated a significant manhunt involving around 400 officers, and local residents have been advised to stay indoors.
Brown University President Christina Paxson expressed her devastation over the incident, emphasizing the profound impact this event has on the community. As the search continues, students and residents alike are left reeling from this tragedy.
