By Harshit
PROVIDENCE, Dec. 14 —6 AM EDT
A Campus Plunged Into Chaos During Finals Week
Brown University was thrust into terror on Saturday afternoon when a gunman opened fire outside MacMillan Hall, killing two students and injuring nine others during a final exam review session. The shooting took place around 4:22 p.m. as students prepared for exams and moved between campus buildings.
Authorities say the suspect — described as a man in his 30s, dressed in dark clothing and possibly wearing a camouflage-patterned face covering — remains at large. More than 400 law enforcement personnel from federal, state, and local agencies have deployed across Providence to search for him.
Brown University confirmed early Sunday that all victims — both deceased and injured — were students.
Students Received Alerts After Learning About the Attack on Social Media
Many students said word of the shooting spread faster on social media than through official alerts. Sophomore Theodore Coben told CNN he learned of the shooting 30 seconds after it happened through Yik Yak, long before Brown’s first emergency message.
“From that point on, all students knew what was going on,” he said, calling later updates “confusing” and difficult to parse.
Across campus, classrooms, gyms, and libraries went into immediate lockdown. Some students huddled in dark rooms for hours as police swept university buildings room by room.
A Survivor of Parkland Relives Trauma
Among the students under lockdown was sophomore Zoe Weissman, who survived the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida.
“It feels like 2018 again,” Weissman said, expressing anger that she has now lived through two major campus shootings. She criticized “congressional inaction,” saying students should not repeatedly endure gun violence.
Victims and Injuries
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson confirmed that:
• 2 students were killed
• 9 others suffered gunshot wounds
• 6 remain in critical but stable condition
• 1 patient is in critical condition
• 1 has been treated and released
“This is an unimaginably tragic day for our community,” Paxson wrote in an email to students and faculty.
All Sunday exams have been postponed.
The Suspect’s Escape and Massive Manhunt
Surveillance footage released by Providence police shows the suspected gunman leaving the Barus and Holley building moments after the shooting, heading down Hope Street and turning onto Waterman Street. His face is not visible.
Authorities urged residents to remain indoors, while some buildings within a red-lined perimeter were ordered to shelter in place until officers physically escorted occupants out.
FBI and Providence Police have launched a dedicated tip portal and hotline to gather images, videos, and witness accounts.
Students Brace for an Overnight Lockdown
Hundreds of students remained in shelter overnight. In the Nelson Fitness Center, student employee Lydell Dyer said more than 150 people huddled in darkness.
“We’ve been trying our best to stay quiet,” he said, adding that students were relying more on peer networks than official alerts for real-time updates.
Community Reaction
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said law enforcement presence would be “significantly elevated” throughout the city on Sunday. He encouraged residents not to cancel holiday plans but urged caution.
President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on the shooting and was monitoring developments.
A Campus in Mourning
Brown University will review building safety and access protocols after reports that doors to the building where the shooting occurred were unlocked.
Meanwhile, the community is reeling.
“I want to thank every member of our community for every kindness… as we work together to be there for one another,” President Paxson said.