PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A deeply tragic and chaotic evening unfolded at Brown University on Friday as a shooting inside the school’s engineering building left two people dead and at least eight others injured, prompting a campus-wide lockdown during final exams.
City and state officials confirmed the shooting occurred at Brown’s engineering building on Hope Street while students were preparing for or taking final exams. As the investigation continues, authorities say the suspected gunman remains at large, and a shelter-in-place order is still active for the surrounding area.
NY Buzz has compiled a clear timeline of confirmed events, official statements, and the latest updates as the situation unfolded.
Confirmed Timeline of Events
Around 4:00 p.m.
- Police say the suspect was last seen leaving Brown’s engineering building on the Hope Street side on foot.
- No weapon has been recovered.
- The shooter was described as a male dressed entirely in black and wearing a mask.
- No image of the suspect is available.
6:36 p.m. — First Official Briefing Begins
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley opened the first public briefing, calling the incident “a day Rhode Islanders had prayed would never come.”
Officials confirmed:
- Two people were dead
- Eight victims were hospitalized, initially reported as critical but stable
- No suspect in custody
- Shelter-in-place orders remained active
“These numbers may change,” Mayor Smiley cautioned.
Governor Dan McKee joined the briefing, stating that “the unthinkable has happened” in Rhode Island.
6:42 p.m. — Shelter-in-Place Reinforced
Officials repeatedly emphasized that:
- The shelter-in-place order remains in effect
- Residents and students near Brown should stay indoors
- The investigation was still active and fluid
6:53 p.m. — Clarification on Detention
Mayor Smiley addressed earlier confusion:
- One individual was briefly detained as a person of interest
- That individual was later released
- Authorities stressed there is still no suspect in custody
7:03 p.m. — National Reaction
President Donald Trump briefly commented on the shooting from the White House, calling it “a terrible thing” and urging the nation to pray for the victims.
7:06 p.m. — Briefing Concludes
Officials reiterated:
- Two confirmed deaths
- At least eight injured
- No arrest made
- Lockdown still active
A second briefing was expected later in the evening.
7:20 p.m. — Hospital Update
Brown Health confirmed:
- Six victims in critical but stable condition
- One in critical condition
- One in stable condition
Rhode Island Hospital, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center, was placed on lockdown.
7:29 p.m. — Family Reunification Center Update
After multiple changes due to safety concerns, officials confirmed:
- The family reunification center may be located at Brown’s Nelson Fitness Center
- Authorities cautioned the location could still change as the search continues
7:49 p.m. — Brown President Speaks
Brown University President Christina Paxson released her first statement, confirming the two victims were members of the Brown community, either students or individuals affiliated with the university.
“This is a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families and our local community,” Paxson wrote.
She urged:
- Continued shelter-in-place compliance
- Locked doors and no campus movement
- Students, faculty, and staff to contact families and confirm their safety
Witness Accounts and Ongoing Investigation
Students described confusion and fear as the campus abruptly locked down. One student reported being on Thayer Street during the shooting, unsure where to go as police flooded the area.
Providence Police urged residents near Brown to review home security footage for anything that could aid the investigation.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed federal agents were assisting local authorities and pledged full resources to support the response.
What Remains Unknown
As of the latest update:
- The suspect has not been located
- The motive is unknown
- Victim identities have not been released
- The total number of victims may still change
Authorities stress the investigation remains active and evolving.
Ongoing Coverage
NY Buzz will continue to monitor official briefings, law enforcement updates, and statements from Brown University and state leaders as more verified information becomes available.
