The incident occurred at approximately 4:05 pm local time near a campus facility, according to Providence police. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found multiple victims with gunshot wounds. Several of the injured remain in critical condition, prompting officials to warn that the casualty count could rise.
Police said the suspect is a man dressed entirely in black who fled the scene on foot. One individual was briefly detained and questioned as a person of interest but was later released after investigators determined there was no direct involvement. Another person of interest has since been taken into custody for questioning, though no formal arrest has been announced. The primary suspect remains at large.
A shelter-in-place order remains in effect for Brown University and nearby neighborhoods as local and state law enforcement agencies continue search operations. The university has suspended all activities and urged students and staff to remain indoors until further notice.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley described the situation as “fluid and serious,” urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement. “Public safety remains our top priority as the investigation continues,” he said.
US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the shooting and was monitoring developments closely. Federal agencies are assisting local authorities, officials confirmed.
The incident adds to a growing tally of gun violence in the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, the Providence shooting marks the 389th mass shooting in the country this year. The group defines mass shootings as incidents in which four or more people are killed or injured, excluding the attacker.
University officials said counseling services have been made available to students and staff, while police continue to examine surveillance footage and gather witness statements. Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive and said updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.
