Manhunt Underway After Fatal Shooting at Brown University; Campus Locked Down as Suspect Remains at Large
A devastating mass shooting at Brown University in Providence on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, killed at least two students and wounded 8–9 others. A male suspect in all‑black clothing remains at large amid a massive multiagency manhunt.
Key takeaways
- When: Saturday, December 13, 2025, about 4:22 p.m. Eastern.
- Where: Barus and Holley Engineering building near 355 Brook Street on Brown’s campus.
- Casualties: At least two students killed; 8–9 students injured; details remain under confirmation.
- Suspect: Described as a man in his 30s wearing dark or all‑black clothing; no confirmed arrest.
- Response: More than 400 officers from local, state and federal agencies mounted a large manhunt; campus sheltered in place.
Shooting and immediate response
According to on‑scene reports and university statements, the shooting occurred late in the afternoon in or near a first‑floor classroom at the Barus and Holley Engineering building, where some doors had been propped open because students were taking exams. Students and instructors received active‑shooter alerts and sheltered in place by locking doors, turning off lights and silencing phones as police converged on the area.
Responding officers evacuated wounded students, moved others to safety and transported several victims by rescue units to hospitals in the Providence area. University officials and law enforcement urged the public to avoid the area while the search for the suspect continued.
See supporting Times Media Service video and Times Media Service video for on‑scene reporting.
Casualties and victim details
University President Christina H. Paxson confirmed that those killed or injured were all students. Early reports varied, with some outlets citing two dead and eight critically injured while others cited at least nine injured; officials stressed figures could change as identities and conditions are confirmed.
“We are heartbroken and focused on supporting our students and community,” President Christina H. Paxson said in an address to the campus community.
Victims were removed from the building by law enforcement and emergency personnel. Students who sheltered in nearby classrooms and higher floors described fear and confusion as officers conducted sweeps; alerts and loud noises were reported while the lockdown continued into the evening.
Suspect description and investigation status
Law enforcement described the suspected shooter as a man in his 30s wearing dark or all‑black clothing. Investigators reviewed video that reportedly shows a man in black leaving the scene. Authorities have asked the public to provide tips, photos or video that might help identify and locate him.
Police have not publicly confirmed the weapon type or whether a firearm has been recovered. An early university alert mistakenly reported an arrest; that message was later corrected and officials reiterated the manhunt remained active.
Scale of the law enforcement response
More than 400 officers from Providence Police, Rhode Island State Police SWAT teams, the FBI evidence response team and other agencies participated in the search and evidence collection. Neighborhoods near campus were evacuated and residents were ordered to shelter in place while sweeps continued into the night.
Campus lockdown and disruption
Brown University issued a campus‑wide shelter‑in‑place order and canceled final exams scheduled for the immediate days following the shooting. Many students were studying for finals when the shooting occurred, deepening the emotional and logistical impact as families and students sought information and safety instructions.
Shelters and reunification points were established as authorities processed evacuated people and provided initial support.
Public statements and federal involvement
President Paxson thanked responding officers and confirmed the casualties were students. Federal officials, including the FBI, assisted local authorities in evidence collection and the broader manhunt. Reports said then‑President Donald Trump had been briefed and offered support to Rhode Island’s governor; the White House pledged to provide updates as appropriate.
How the investigation is proceeding
Investigators are reviewing security camera footage and other digital evidence to track the suspect’s movements. Authorities asked anyone with video, photos or information from the area near 355 Brook Street within the relevant time window to come forward to help identify the person captured leaving the scene.
Community reaction and student experiences
Students and neighbors described a tense scene as authorities evacuated and secured the campus. Many were in or near exam rooms when alerts arrived, compounding the shock. The campus counseling center and other support services were expected to be activated to help students cope with trauma and loss.
Local businesses and traffic were disrupted as police sealed streets and established command posts; residents were instructed to stay inside or evacuate temporarily while searches were conducted.
Implications for California
- Campus safety: California institutions may review active‑shooter and shelter‑in‑place protocols, and assess coordination between campus and municipal responders.
- Academic disruption: Universities should consider contingency plans for exam scheduling, remote testing and student support during crises.
- Mutual aid: The large multiagency response highlights the importance of mutual‑aid agreements and scalable resource sharing.
- Public messaging: The erroneous custody alert underlines the need for safeguards in alert systems to prevent misinformation.
- Mental health: Institutions must prepare to expand counseling and support for affected students and communities.
What authorities are asking of the public
Officials urged anyone with tips, photos or video from the area to contact law enforcement. Community‑submitted footage and eyewitness information may be crucial to identifying the suspect and narrowing the search.
Sources
This report is based on on‑scene video reporting and university and law enforcement statements. Source videos from Times Media Service: Times Media Service video and Times Media Service video.
