By: The Trek News Desk
A deadly shooting at Brown University in the US state of Rhode Island on Saturday left two people dead and at least eight others critically injured, triggering panic across the campus and a massive security operation in the city. Police said the suspected gunman managed to flee the scene and remains at large.
The incident took place inside the Barus & Holley Engineering Building, where examinations were underway at the time of the attack. Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies sealed off the surrounding area, shutting down nearby streets for several hours while a manhunt was launched.
What Authorities Said
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed the casualties and described the incident as deeply distressing, especially with the holiday season approaching.
“We are just days away from Christmas, and today two lives were lost while eight others are fighting for survival in hospitals,” the mayor said, urging people to pray for the victims and their families.
Officials have not yet released details about the victims, including whether they were students or staff members. Investigations are ongoing.
Suspect Still on the Run
According to police, the suspect is believed to be a male wearing black clothing. Authorities are reviewing footage from nearby surveillance cameras in an effort to identify and locate him. The attacker reportedly opened fire inside the engineering building before escaping.
The search has been complicated by heavy crowds in downtown Providence, where holiday shopping and public events were underway. Federal agencies, along with police from neighbouring areas, have joined the operation, and additional security has been deployed across the city.
Students Recall Moments of Fear
Students on campus described scenes of chaos and fear as alerts warned them of an active shooter.
Alex Bruce, a senior biochemistry student, said he was working in his dormitory across the street when he heard sirens and received emergency messages. “I was shaking in my room, watching armed officers surround the building,” he said, adding that he feared for friends who were inside the engineering complex.
Chiangheng Chien, a doctoral student in engineering, said he and others hid under desks in a nearby laboratory for nearly two hours with the lights turned off. “We stayed silent and waited until authorities cleared the area,” he recalled.
Another student, Mari Camara, a junior from New York, said she rushed into a nearby restaurant for safety after leaving the library. She remained there for over three hours as police combed the campus. “Everyone was shocked and terrified. No one imagined something like this happening here,” she said.
National Reaction
US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the incident and described it as “terrible.” He expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, calling for prayers for those who were injured.
Rising Gun Violence Concerns
The shooting has once again highlighted concerns over gun violence in the United States. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, hundreds of mass shooting incidents have already been reported across the country this year, including several at educational institutions. The US continues to record far more such incidents than many other developed nations.
As the investigation continues, Brown University remains under heightened security, and the wider Providence community is struggling to come to terms with yet another act of senseless violence.
Source: News Agencies
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