On Saturday, December 13, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. A gunman opened fire inside the Barus & Holley engineering building during the afternoon, striking multiple students. Law enforcement and emergency services responded quickly to reports of gunfire on campus. The shooting resulted in two students killed and nine others wounded, some critically, before police secured the scene and began first-response operations. The victims were transported to nearby hospitals where trauma teams worked to stabilize the injured. Authorities immediately initiated a manhunt for the shooter, who fled on foot and remained at large in the days following the attack.
Brown University officials activated emergency protocols, issuing alerts via phone, text, and email to shelter in place while law enforcement converged on the scene. The incident prompted campus lockdowns, heightened security, and community shock as students, faculty, and families processed the sudden violence. Classes and exams were canceled as the university transitioned into crisis response mode, while counselors and support services were deployed to assist those affected by the trauma. Public vigils and community gatherings were organized to mourn the lives lost and support the injured and their loved ones.
In the wake of the shooting, Providence police and the FBI launched a coordinated investigation. Authorities released surveillance images and enhanced video footage of a person of interest believed to be connected to the attack, captured walking near campus streets prior to the shooting. Law enforcement urged the public to share any relevant footage or tips that could assist in identifying and locating the suspect. As of the latest reports, no confirmed arrest had been made, and the suspect remained at large, described as armed and dangerous. A reward of up to $50,000 was offered for information leading to arrest and conviction.
In a development that widened the scope of the case, authorities began investigating a potential connection between the Brown shooting and a separate killing that occurred two days later in Brookline, Massachusetts. There, MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a prominent nuclear science expert, was shot and killed at his home. Federal and local investigators are examining potential links between the two incidents, including possible shared evidence or suspect connections. While no definitive connection has been established, law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility that the cases are related.
The Brown University community and broader Providence area have been deeply affected by the shooting. Students, families, and staff continue to grapple with grief and trauma, while many voices have called for enhanced campus safety measures and improved emergency alert systems. The university’s leadership addressed questions about security protocols and communication during the crisis, acknowledging the emotional toll and emphasizing their commitment to support survivors and prevent future violence. Local schools increased police presence, and community members have engaged in discussions about mental health resources and long-term recovery.
Days after the original shooting, law enforcement maintains an active, methodical search for the suspect and continues to process physical and video evidence. Authorities have canvassed neighborhoods, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed private and public surveillance footage in efforts to reconstruct the timeline and identify those responsible. The investigation remains fluid as police assess leads and await further public cooperation. Officials stress that while there have been significant developments, including possible links to the MIT professor’s death, definitive conclusions will depend on continued investigative work and credible information from the public.