The shooting that occurred at Brown University of Rhode Island on Tuesday afternoon has resulted in at least two fatalities. Eight others were injured in the tragic incident as well. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement, who issued an active-shooter alert around 4:22 PM local time, urging students and staff to take shelter.
The drama played out inside the university’s engineering building. The male suspect, clothed in black attire, was last seen fleeing on foot towards the Hope Street side. Yet, in a concerted effort by police—including a police dragnet searching their community—no weapons were ever found.
Emergency responders, including police and ambulances arrived within minutes to try to evaluate what happened and take those hurt to local hospitals. Brown University reiterated that all eight in critical but stable condition have been released to hospitals. Yet, the university has not released any additional information on their demands.
Local resident John Goncalves took to Twitter to express his dismay at what was taking place. He appealed to residents, “You all know, we’re still learning more about what’s happening, but please secure your homes and be aware of your surroundings.”
Eyewitness Laith Reader Frayn, 14, who gave his perspective from a barbershop across the street. He recalled watching as streets filled with police cars and ambulances responded to the scene.
“A bunch of cop cars, a lot of ambulances and tactics teams showed up. I heard gunshots soon after they showed up. Then I saw two people carried out of the building on stretchers.” – Laith Reader Frayn
Frayn explained that one of the victims had an unconscious appearance while the other was conscious when they were evacuated.
“The first person was unconscious and the other was awake. We sheltered in place for about an hour. Then I left with my dad. The situation was calm.” – Laith Reader Frayn
For him, this was really hard to understand. There was no evidence of a shooter at all except for those that had been shot. We were just kind of in shock that this occurred,” he recalled. The barbers went on to say that this had never happened at Brown.
Confusion ensued when former President Donald Trump first tweeted that a suspect was arrested. Both Trump and the Brown University Police subsequently walked back this claim. They made it clear that the potential suspect was still at large.
Brown University’s response included an alert that advised people to “lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice.” The university stated,
“We are not able to share their condition.” – Brown University
“They have been transported to local hospitals.” – Brown University
In her words, the tragedy has devastated members of the community. Another Brown alumnus voiced their sense of loss. They continued, “As a committed member of the Brown community, I’m feeling devastated. My deepest condolences to all the family members and to all who have been hurt.