What Happened at Brown University on Saturday Afternoon?
A violent shooting at Brown University on Saturday afternoon left multiple people injured and at least two dead, according to sources cited by the Associated Press, prompting an intense law enforcement response and a large-scale search for the gunman.
The incident unfolded in the heart of Brown’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island, sending shockwaves through the university community and drawing national attention as federal authorities joined the investigation. As of Saturday evening, the situation was described as ongoing, with no suspects officially in custody.
According to early reports reviewed by NY Buzz, the shooting occurred near academic buildings where students were actively present for scheduled exams, adding to the urgency and fear surrounding the event.
Brown University Shooting: Key Updates (Approx. 6:30 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. Timeline)
Timeline of the Shooting and Police Response
Brown University issued its first emergency alert at 4:22 p.m., warning students, faculty, and staff to avoid the area around Barus & Holley Engineering, located at 184 Hope Street. The alert urged individuals to lock doors, silence phones, and remain hidden until further notice.
More than an hour later, at 5:27 p.m., university officials reported receiving information about shots fired near Governor Street, suggesting the threat may have extended beyond a single location.
At 6:05 p.m., Brown released a somber statement confirming multiple shooting victims, all of whom were transported to local hospitals. Officials said they were unable to immediately share the victims’ conditions.
Confusion Over Suspects as Search Continues
Early in the response, Brown authorities indicated that a suspect may have been apprehended. However, that information was later walked back. At 5:11 p.m., officials clarified that no one was in custody and that the search for suspects was actively continuing.
Local outlet Target 12 confirmed that law enforcement officers were moving building to building, searching for potential suspects. The FBI formally joined the investigation, underscoring the seriousness of the incident.
Witnesses on the scene described a disturbing sight. News crews reported blood-stained clothing on sidewalks, while police vehicles and ambulances flooded Thayer Street and surrounding neighborhoods near the campus center.
Impact on Students and Campus Operations
Brown University confirmed that multiple exams were scheduled between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the affected building, raising concerns about how many students may have been inside at the time of the shooting.
“We are working immediately to determine who was in the building at the time,” the university said, adding that support services were deployed on site to assist students and staff coping with the unfolding crisis.
The university reiterated its active shooter guidance, emphasizing the RUN, HIDE, FIGHT protocol as a last-resort safety measure during such emergencies.
Officials React as National Attention Grows
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley’s office scheduled a 6:15 p.m. briefing with law enforcement and emergency officials to provide further updates. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee acknowledged the situation publicly, stating on social media that state officials were monitoring developments and offering prayers for the community.
Former President Donald Trump also confirmed that he had been briefed on the shooting, reflecting the national scope of concern surrounding the incident.
What We Know So Far — and What Comes Next
As of Saturday evening, authorities had not released confirmed details about the shooter or a clear motive. Officials continue to urge the public to avoid the area and rely only on verified updates from law enforcement and Brown University.
This remains a developing story. AffairsTime will continue to follow updates closely and provide verified information as investigators work to piece together what led to this tragic event on one of America’s most prominent university campuses.
Brown University Shooting: Key Updates (Approx. 6:30 p.m. to 7:50 p.m. Timeline)