PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a tragic turn of events that has shaken the academic community, a shooting unfolded at Brown University in Rhode Island during the crucial period of final exams.

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday afternoon, the otherwise serene atmosphere of Brown University’s engineering building was shattered by gunfire. According to Provost Frank Doyle, the incident tragically claimed the lives of two individuals while eight others sustained critical injuries. The shooting has cast a dark shadow over the university, intensifying the anxiety and stress typically associated with final exams.

As the Providence community grapples with this shocking event, Mayor Brett Smiley has stepped forward to express his sympathy. Acknowledging the emotional weight of the approaching Christmas holiday, he urged for collective prayers for the victims’ families. “It’s going to be a difficult rest of the day, difficult days and months ahead as this community heals,” Mayor Smiley reflected, underscoring the long road to recovery that lies ahead for those affected.

However, details about the identities of the victims remain guarded, as Mayor Smiley refrained from confirming whether any of those harmed were students. This decision likely stems from a need to maintain privacy and respect for the grieving families during this tumultuous time.

In the wake of the incident, Rhode Island Governor acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “The unthinkable has happened.” These words resonate deeply, capturing the collective disbelief and sorrow that has enveloped the community and beyond.

Rhode Island governor: ‘The unthinkable has happened’

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said “the unthinkable has happened” following a shooting Saturday at Brown University that left two dead and eight critically wounded.

McKee said his office has been in touch with the White House.

Mayor says 2 killed, 8 critical following Brown shooting

Two people were killed and eight are in critical but stable condition following a shooting at Brown university, the mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, said.

Mayor Brett Smiley said those are the only known injuries and casualties.

The mayor said a shooter is not in custody. A shelter-in-place is in effect for the greater Brown University area.

At least 2 killed in Brown University shooting, AP source

At least two people have been killed and several others injured in a shooting at Brown University on Saturday, a law enforcement source told The Associated Press.

The official could not publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.

University officials initially told students and staff that a suspect was in custody, before later saying that was not the case and that police were still searching for a suspect or suspects, according to alerts issued through Brown’s emergency notification system.

-Alanna Durkin Richer