In a harrowing incident on Saturday, a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, resulted in two fatalities and eight critical injuries. The situation unfolded as students on the Ivy League campus were amidst final exams. President Donald Trump has urged the nation to pray for the victims of this tragedy.
The President was briefed on the situation shortly after returning to the White House and addressed the media, expressing his condolences and calling for prayers. "I've been fully briefed on the Brown University situation. What a terrible thing it is. All we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt," President Trump stated. He emphasized the gravity of the situation and the need for prayers, considering the loss and suffering caused by the event.
An initial post by President Trump on Truth Social indicated that the suspect had been apprehended, which was later corrected following a clarification from law enforcement that no arrest had been made. The President updated the public, acknowledging the error and reiterating his call for prayers.
The attack began near Brown University's Barus and Holley Engineering building, a facility that includes classrooms and offices. As the shooter entered the building during exams, students and staff were instructed to adopt the emergency protocol of running, hiding, or fighting, silencing their phones, and sheltering in place. These precautionary measures were communicated while images from the scene showed a heavy law enforcement presence working to secure the area.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirmed that the assailant had gained access to the building through unlocked doors. Roughly an hour after the initial alert, additional shots were reported several blocks away, leading to concerns that the shooter had moved from the immediate vicinity of the campus. Vice President J.D. Vance and FBI Director Kash Patel both offered prayers and confirmed federal support for the ongoing investigation.
Brown University has since confirmed the deaths and the hospitalization of the eight wounded individuals. The university also emphasized that the threat remains active and urged the community to adhere to safety instructions.
The suspect has been described as a male dressed in black clothing, but authorities have not yet ascertained a motive for the attack. This incident marks one of the numerous school-related shootings reported in the United States this year, as tracked by the Gun Violence Archive.
As the manhunt continues, officials have advised locals to steer clear of the area and maintain vigilance. The Brown University campus remains in lockdown as investigators strive to understand the events leading up to one of the institution's deadliest incidents.
The severity of the situation was underscored by a tweet from Digital Gal, showing a text message exchange between a student and his mother during the lockdown, highlighting the fear and urgency experienced by those on campus.
