Manhunt Underway After Brown University Shooting Kills 2, Injures 9; Students Brace for Overnight Lockdown
A mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Dec. 13, 2025, killed two and wounded nine during finals in the Barus and Holley Building, prompting a campus-wide lockdown and an ongoing manhunt for a male suspect.
- Two dead, nine wounded: Victims were shot in Room 166; nine were taken to Rhode Island Hospital and two were later confirmed dead (Wikipedia).
- Suspect at large: Investigators are searching for a lone male in his 30s wearing dark clothing; footage shows him leaving toward Hope Street (video footage).
- Major law enforcement response: More than 400 officers plus FBI and ATF teams are on scene; residents were told to shelter in place (Wikipedia).
- Campus disrupted: Final exams canceled and counseling services mobilized as the community copes with an unprecedented Ivy League shooting.
What happened and where
Law enforcement and university notices say the shooting occurred at about 4:05 p.m. EST on Dec. 13 in Room 166 on the first floor of the Barus and Holley Building, which houses parts of Brown’s School of Engineering and physics complex near Hope Street. The incident unfolded during the second day of fall-semester final exams, when classrooms and study areas were crowded.
Active shooter alerts were issued at about 4:15 p.m., ordering shelter in place; video of officers on campus and alerts spread quickly on social media and local broadcasts (Wikipedia; video footage).
Casualties and hospital status
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed two deaths and nine wounded. All nine injured were transported to Rhode Island Hospital with gunshot wounds. Shortly after midnight EST, officials reported: one patient in critical condition, six in critical-but-stable condition, and two in stable condition. Identities of the deceased and wounded have not been released pending family notifications (Wikipedia).
Brown President Christina H. Paxson said at least eight of the victims — including both who died — were students. Early reports varied; university statements used the phrasing “at least eight” while officials continued verification (Wikipedia).
Suspect description and manhunt updates
Authorities are searching for a single male suspect. Witnesses and security footage describe a man who appears to be in his 30s wearing dark clothing — reports variously note gray camouflage or all‑black attire. Investigators released footage showing a person leaving the Barus and Holley Building and walking down Hope Street as part of an appeal for tips (Wikipedia; video footage).
Shell casings recovered at the scene indicate a handgun was likely used, but the firearm has not been found. An initial Brown Department of Public Safety alert mistakenly said a suspect was in custody; it was corrected about 20 minutes later to clarify no arrests had been made. The suspect remained at large as searches continued in nearby neighborhoods (Wikipedia).
Law enforcement response and public safety measures
Providence police led the investigation with assistance from the FBI and ATF, which deployed evidence response teams and victim specialists. Mayor Smiley said more than 400 officers from state and local agencies joined the response and manhunt. Authorities urged residents to check doorbell and Ring camera footage and to report tips to investigators (Wikipedia).
Officers evacuated immediate-area buildings and directed others to shelter in place. Students and community members prepared for an extended lockdown and some braced to remain overnight in campus buildings. Brown announced cancellation of final exams scheduled for the following day while the search continued (video coverage).
Initial confusion about other incidents
Police briefly investigated a reported second shooting on nearby Governor Street at about 5:27 p.m., but that report was later retracted. Authorities now state the attack was limited to the single incident at Barus and Holley. The retraction underscores the chaotic and fast-moving information environment during active-shooter events and the difficulty of verifying multiple early reports (Wikipedia).
Context and significance
Officials described this as the first mass shooting at an Ivy League university. The timing during finals magnified the impact as many students were in exams or study areas when the shooting started. The community reaction has been one of shock and grief, with urgent questions about campus safety and prevention (Wikipedia).
Unanswered questions and ongoing investigation
Authorities have not released a motive or indicated whether the suspect had links to Brown. Key unknowns include how the suspect entered the building, whether the attack was planned, and whether others were involved. Ballistics and forensic analysis are in progress as investigators work to recover the weapon and build a timeline (Wikipedia).
Officials appealed for the public’s help and asked anyone with footage or tips to come forward, and cautioned against sharing unverified images or names that could compromise the investigation or spread misinformation (Wikipedia).
Eyewitness and campus reaction
Students described frantic evacuations as alarms sounded and officers guided people to safety. Many reported hiding during exams, then hearing sirens and watching large numbers of law enforcement arrive. Campus counseling and mental health services were mobilized to support students, staff and families (video coverage; video footage).
Implications for San Diego, California
Economic: Universities and colleges in San Diego may face pressure to increase spending on access control, surveillance and emergency staffing; vendors of campus safety technology could see increased demand.
Political: The Providence incident could prompt state and local policymakers in California and San Diego to revisit campus safety policies, mental health resources and gun violence prevention measures.
Social: Students, families and campus communities in San Diego may experience heightened anxiety, particularly around finals. Counseling centers at institutions such as San Diego State University and UC San Diego should prepare for increased demand.
Practical steps: Residents should review family and campus emergency plans, confirm shelter-in-place procedures, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Parents should verify communication plans at their children’s schools and know where to find updates.
Resources and next steps
Authorities continue active searches and ask anyone with information or footage to contact Providence police. The FBI and ATF are assisting with forensic work and victim services. Brown University is coordinating support for students, families and staff while officials work to identify victims and recover evidence (Wikipedia; video coverage; video footage).
Ongoing coverage will focus on:
- Manhunt updates and any arrest or identification of the suspect.
- Verified victim statuses and official disclosures about motive.
- Public safety guidance — including shelter-in-place orders and tips hotlines.
Authorities emphasize: follow official instructions, report credible tips to police, and avoid sharing unverified images or names that could hamper the investigation.
Sources: Wikipedia; video footage; video coverage.
