Several people were injured in a shooting near Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, early Saturday. The university—known by many as the most Ivy of the Ivies—was smack in the middle of final exams for the fall semester. Then, all at once, the miracle happened.
The initial shooting incident on campus took place just outside the Barus and Holley building. This architecturally distinguished seven-story structure houses the university’s school of engineering and physics department. With approximately 7,300 undergraduate students and just over 3,000 graduate students, Brown University serves as a hub of academic activity. The first incident ignited during the second day of final exams. The result was the flood of panic and intimidation that hit us students and faculty.
Brown University leaders acted quickly to the developing crisis by sending out an active-shooter alert. They ordered students and staff to find shelter right away. The campus community was alerted through every possible medium. They were told to avoid the smoke surrounding Barus and Holley indefinitely.
Kristy DosReis, chief public information officer for the city of Providence, verified the ongoing investigation at the scene. Law enforcement agencies are on the frontlines and working around the clock. In every case, police officers responded quickly to the scene to determine what had occurred and keep the campus safe. At this point, authorities are continuing to seek information about the details of the shooting and those who were present.
The university’s administration has failed to provide specifics about how many people were injured and the extent of their injuries. The quick action taken by the local law enforcement shows how seriously they seem to be taking this incident.
The students who witnessed the incident felt shocked, scared, and disturbed. They were particularly sensitive to these feelings because it was a particularly critical time in their academic year. “It’s unnerving to think that something like this could happen at our school,” one student stated.
Police are in intensive investigation mode, said Chief Matt McCoy. Brown University will continue to provide its community with timely updates as more information becomes available. The university should be taking a long, hard look at the event’s safety protocols in the wake of the violence.