On the afternoon of Saturday, December 13, 2025, Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, became the site of a tragic shooting that left the campus and surrounding community shaken. At approximately 4:05 p.m., a gunman opened fire inside the Barus & Holley Engineering and Physics Building, all while students were inside studying and attending review sessions in preparation for final exams.
According to USA Today, the gunman killed two students and injured several others before fleeing the scene. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and police began searching the area. Students and staff were instructed to shelter in place, lock their doors, and remain quiet while the building and nearby areas were secured. Many students hid in classrooms or nearby buildings during the lockdown, unsure of what was happening outside.
Zoe Weissman, a Brown University student, said this was the second school shooting she has experienced. She shared that she had previously been near the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Her statement has been shared widely and shows how some students not only have experienced one but multiple acts of school-related gun violence.
As of now, the suspect has not been caught, and the investigation remains ongoing. Local police, along with the FBI, are continuing to search for the suspect and are asking anyone with information to come forward. Authorities have released minor details about the suspect at this time.
In the days following the shooting, students, faculty, and community members gathered for vigils and memorials to honor the victims and support one another. The university has also made counseling services available for students and staff affected by the incident.
The shooting has raised concerns about campus safety, not only at Brown University but at colleges across the country. University officials have stated that student safety remains a top priority as the campus continues to process the tragedy.
