Tragedy Strikes Brown University: A Classroom Shooting Leaves Two Dead

Sun Dec 14 2025 15:11:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As police continue to search for the shooter who opened fire during final exams at Brown University, the community grapples with the fallout of a tragedy that has claimed two lives and left nine others wounded.

On a day meant for academic accomplishment, Brown University's campus turned into a scene of chaos when a shooter entered a classroom, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries. The suspect remains on the loose, prompting a massive police response and a community in lockdown. Witnesses recount their harrowing experiences as authorities work to secure the area and provide support to affected students.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A peaceful Saturday afternoon at Brown University turned tragic when a shooter opened fire in a classroom, resulting in two deaths and nine injuries during final exams. The shooting occurred within the engineering building, leading to a swift response from local law enforcement, who initiated a campus-wide search for the suspect.

Surveillance footage revealed the shooter calmly leaving the scene, raising questions about the identity and motives of the attacker, who may not be a student. University President Christina Paxson confirmed that many of the victims were students.

The Providence Police Department confirmed a chaotic atmosphere on campus as students sheltered in place, concerned for their safety. Streets that once buzzed with weekend activity became eerily silent as residents were advised to stay indoors until the area was declared secure.

Mayor’s Counsel and Community Reaction

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley urged nearby residents to remain in their homes while officials investigated how the shooter gained access to the classroom. Initial reports indicated the building’s outer doors were unlocked, but classrooms used for exams required badge access.

“The Brown community’s heart is breaking,” Mayor Smiley noted, voicing solidarity with the impacted students and families.

Investigation and Aftermath

Officials believe the shooter used a handgun, in contrast to Rhode Island’s strict gun control laws. Nine individuals with gunshot wounds were temporarily treated at Rhode Island Hospital, with one in critical condition.

Eyewitness accounts detail the fear and confusion as shots rang out during exam sessions. Emma Ferraro, a chemical engineering student, narrowly escaped, realizing the sounds were gunfire before rushing to safety.

A Personal Connection

Among those impacted by the incident was former reality TV contestant Eva Erickson, who shared her harrowing experience of leaving her lab just minutes before the tragedy struck, emphasizing the randomness of such violence.

Students took to social media to express their shock and fear, with many recounting how they and their peers sought refuge from an unexpected crisis.

Institutional Response

Brown University, known for its academic excellence, has found itself at the center of a national conversation on campus safety and gun violence. Students, faculty, and staff remain impacted as the search for the shooter continues, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding gun legislation and security on school campuses.