Brown University shooting: Manhunt underway after 2 students killed, 9 wounded; campus locked down
A mass shooting at Brown University in Providence on Dec. 13, 2025, killed two people and wounded nine during final exams, prompting a campus-wide lockdown and a multi-agency manhunt for a suspect described as a man in his 30s.
- Casualties: Two people killed, nine wounded; most victims are Brown students. (2025 Brown University shooting)
- Location & timing: Shooting occurred about 4:05 p.m. EST inside Room 166 of the Barus and Holley Building during final exams. (official report)
- Suspect & manhunt: Single male suspect in his 30s wearing dark clothing remains at large; surveillance footage released. (video)
- Response: More than 400 officers and federal teams joined the search; campus lockdown and shelter-in-place orders issued. (coverage)
Shooting: time, place and circumstances
The attack occurred during final exams. Authorities report gunfire began at about 4:05 p.m. EST inside Room 166 on the first floor of Barus and Holley, a building serving Brown’s School of Engineering and physics near Hope Street. The classroom’s capacity is listed at 186, and the timing — in the middle of finals — has magnified concerns among students, faculty and families. (2025 Brown University shooting)
Brown’s public safety office issued an active shooter alert at roughly 4:15 p.m., warning of an active shooter near Barus and Holley, and the university ordered a campus lockdown while officers searched the area. Early reports of a second shooting on Governor Street were later retracted; investigators confirm only the Barus and Holley incident as of the latest updates. (video)
Victims and hospital status
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed two people were killed and nine others wounded; Brown President Christina H. Paxson said the victims included students, with most victims enrolled at the university. All nine injured were taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. (official report)
By about midnight Eastern on Dec. 13, hospital officials reported one patient in critical condition, six in critical but stable condition, and two in stable condition — figures that reflect early triage and may change as care continues.
Suspect description and evidence released
Police say there is one suspect: a male in his 30s wearing dark gray or black clothing. Investigators released surveillance video showing a man in dark or gray camouflage-type clothing leaving the engineering complex and walking toward Hope Street; authorities are asking neighbors and businesses to review doorbell and security camera footage. (investigative summary; surveillance video)
Note: Brown’s public safety office briefly said a suspect had been taken into custody, then corrected that message about 20 minutes later; as of the latest public reports the suspect remains at large. (status update)
Weapon, evidence and forensic work
Investigators believe a handgun was used, though police have not yet recovered the firearm. Law enforcement recovered shell casings from the scene; those casings and security footage are central pieces of evidence being processed by local and federal teams. Officials have urged anyone with Ring or similar footage to submit clips to the investigation. (case file; forensics coverage)
Law enforcement response and manhunt
The Providence Police Department is leading a wide search with assistance from other agencies. More than 400 officers from across Rhode Island and federal partners, including the FBI and the ATF, joined the operation. Federal teams on scene include the FBI’s Evidence Response Team and victim services units. (multi-agency response)
Tactical and SWAT teams have been methodically clearing and evacuating buildings, while officers continue to review campus surveillance footage and canvass private cameras in the neighborhood for additional video that could identify and track the suspect. (video briefing)
Lockdown, shelter-in-place and safety directives
Brown declared a campus lockdown and instructed students, faculty and staff to lock doors, stay inside and await further instructions. Many students prepared for an overnight lockdown as the search continued into the night. Nearby residents were also asked to shelter in place while officers searched for the suspect. (university alert)
University officials canceled the next day’s final exams and said they will review how to make up academic work and provide support and counseling for students and families affected by the trauma.
Official statements and national attention
“The university community is devastated,” Brown President Christina H. Paxson said, confirming most victims were students. (statement)
Mayor Brett Smiley held press briefings to update the public on casualties and the manhunt. Federal officials, including White House advisers, have been briefed and are monitoring the investigation as authorities work to determine motive and identity. The shooting has prompted national discussion about campus security and gun policy, even as investigators emphasize the motive remains unknown. (national coverage)
Context and unanswered questions
Media and officials note this is the first reported mass shooting at an Ivy League university, a fact that has intensified the national response and urgency of the investigation. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity, any motive, or whether the suspect had a connection to Brown. The precise model and source of the handgun have not been publicly confirmed. (case context)
Implications for Redding, California
- Public safety and campus security reviews: Local colleges and K–12 districts may reassess emergency plans, entry control and active-shooter drills. (lessons learned)
- Law enforcement coordination: The scale of the Providence manhunt highlights the value of mutual aid and federal-local cooperation for evidence collection and information sharing. (response review)
- Community vigilance: Investigators relied on surveillance and doorbell video; Redding residents with Ring or similar systems should be ready to share footage after serious crimes. (surveillance role)
- Support services: Local universities may expand counseling and crisis communications for worried parents and students. (student support)
- Policy conversations: The incident may renew debate about campus security funding, mental health services and preventive measures tailored to local needs. (policy implications)
Reporting and how to help
Reporting remains active. Authorities ask anyone with information or video of the suspect to contact the Providence Police Department and the FBI. For background and documentation, see the 2025 Brown University shooting summary and released surveillance footage.
If you have relevant video, preserve the original files and contact investigators rather than posting them publicly; submit footage to law enforcement for forensic review.
This article preserves reported facts, official statements and source links as available from public reports and released footage.
