United States President Donald Trump has called on Americans to pray for victims of a deadly shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, which left two people dead and several others injured.
The shooting happened on Saturday near the Barus and Holley Engineering Building on the Ivy League campus, forcing the university into an emergency lockdown as police searched for the gunman.
Authorities confirmed during a press briefing shortly before 7 p.m. that two people lost their lives in the attack. Eight other victims were said to be in critical but stable condition at a hospital, while another person sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.
Trump spoke briefly to reporters on Saturday night after returning to the White House aboard Marine One.
“I’ve been fully briefed on the Brown University situation. What a terrible thing it is. And all we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those who were very badly hurt. We’ll inform you later as to what’s happening. It’s a shame. Just pray,” the president said.
Vice President JD Vance also reacted to the incident, saying federal authorities were closely following developments.
“Terrible news out of Rhode Island this evening. We’re all monitoring the situation, and the FBI stands ready to do anything to help. We’re all thinking of and praying for the victims tonight,” Vance wrote.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents were supporting local law enforcement in the ongoing manhunt.
“FBI personnel are on the scene and assisting this evening after the shooting at Brown University, and we will provide all capabilities necessary. Please pray for all those involved,” Patel said.
Students were first alerted to the danger at about 4:22 p.m. local time and instructed to “run, hide and fight” following reports of an active shooter near the engineering complex. They were later advised to silence their phones and shelter in place.
Brown University officials later clarified that no suspect was in custody, reversing earlier reports that someone had been detained. Police also confirmed that gunshots were fired on Governor Street, several blocks away from the campus.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said the suspect gained access to the engineering building while examinations were ongoing.
“The doors were unlocked, and the suspect walked right in,” Smiley told CNN.
The suspect has been described as a man dressed in black clothing and remains at large. SWAT teams were deployed as security forces continued to comb the area.
The Barus and Holley Engineering Building, a seven-storey structure, houses Brown University’s engineering school and physics department. It contains over 100 laboratories, along with several classrooms and offices. Multiple final examinations were scheduled in the building between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Providence City Council member John Goncalves, who represents the area covering the university, expressed sorrow over the incident.
“We’re still getting information, but we’re telling people to lock their doors and stay vigilant,” he said. “As a Brown alum who loves this community, I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to all the families and those affected.”
In a statement issued after 6:30 p.m., Brown University confirmed the deaths and urged continued caution.
“This remains an active crime scene, and law enforcement continues to search for the suspect. The situation is ongoing, and all members of the community should continue to shelter in place,” the statement said.
The university later thanked emergency responders and repeated safety instructions to students and staff.
The attack adds to a growing list of school shootings in the United States, with the Gun Violence Archive recording more than 70 such incidents nationwide so far this year.
