A second shooting at Brown University in nearby Providence, Rhode Island, has left at least two dead. Moreover, eight other people have been wounded. The incident was particularly devastating on the Ivy League campus, timing-wise, as students were in the middle of taking their final exams. As university officials and local authorities respectively investigate and respond to what has shocked the community, their safety and sense of security have already been irrevocably altered.
Brown University has emerged as one of America’s most elite higher education institutions. It proudly enrolls approximately 7,300 undergraduate students and more than 3,000 graduate students. The shooting took place in a building that houses over 100 laboratories, classrooms, and offices, heightening concerns regarding safety on campus.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley reported the tragic outcome of the incident on Twitter. He said that the shooting left two people dead and was “devastating. Moreover, eight others were injured by gunshot wounds and taken to Rhode Island Hospital to be treated. Of those injured, six are still in critical but stable condition.
As of 8 PM local time, the shooter or shooters remained at large. University officials said the shooter was in custody. When they went back on that announcement, it created a lot of panic and fear among the university population. The police are still engaged in an active manhunt for this person or people that chose to create this tragedy.
In response to the shooting, President Donald Trump stated, “All we can do right now is pray for the victims.” His remarks speak to a sense of anguish and fear that exists across the country, as so many communities are left to understand the meaning of gun violence.
The unfolding events have prompted heightened security measures on campus and calls for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. As the FBI and other law enforcement officers search for answers, students and faculty are advised to stay on alert.
The fine Brown University community, known worldwide for its exceptional academic rigor and energetic, colorful campus life Brown is now in a time of grief. They are processing, grappling, and looking for understanding through this horrifying loss. While local and campus authorities continue to work around the clock to provide information, attention is being turned to caring for those impacted and ensuring safety across our campus.