A chilling scene unfolded at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, Saturday, as a shooting in the engineering building claimed the lives of at least two people and left eight critically injured. The campus, normally a haven for learning, was thrust into chaos during the stressful final exam period.
For more than two hours, law enforcement meticulously searched buildings across the Ivy League campus, hunting for a male suspect described as wearing black clothing. The individual was last seen fleeing the scene, triggering a widespread shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area.
Initial reports mistakenly indicated a suspect was in custody, a false alarm that added to the confusion and anxiety. Authorities later clarified that the search continued, revealing a person previously detained had no connection to the shooting.
The shooting occurred within the Barus & Holley building, a complex housing the School of Engineering and physics department. Inside, over 100 laboratories and numerous classrooms became a scene of terror as engineering design exams were underway.
Students, caught in the midst of the violence, reacted with fear and quick thinking. One doctoral student recounted how those in a nearby lab extinguished the lights and dove under desks after receiving an emergency alert.
Local officials urged residents to remain indoors and exercise extreme caution, emphasizing the ongoing danger. The city mobilized all available resources to assist in the search and secure the campus.
The atmosphere was thick with uncertainty as investigators worked to piece together the events. Information remained preliminary, and authorities stressed the need for patience as they gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses.
Federal assistance arrived as the FBI joined the investigation, lending its expertise to the local police force. The focus remained on apprehending the suspect and understanding the motive behind the senseless act of violence.
Brown University, a prestigious institution with over 10,000 students, was left reeling from the tragedy. The close-knit community mourned the loss of life and braced for the long road to recovery.
The incident sent shockwaves through the city and beyond, prompting expressions of grief and support. The search for answers, and for the suspect, continued late into the night.
As the investigation unfolded, a sense of vulnerability settled over the campus and the surrounding community. The once-familiar halls of Brown University were now marked by a profound and heartbreaking loss.
