Authorities in Providence, Rhode Island, are on the hunt for a male suspect, reportedly dressed in dark attire, who was last observed departing an engineering building — the scene of a recent shooting incident.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Law enforcement is actively searching for a gunman who tragically claimed the lives of at least two individuals and injured nine others at Brown University on Saturday. The incident occurred amid the tense atmosphere of final exams at this prestigious Ivy League institution.
For over three hours following the outbreak of violence, officers meticulously combed through campus facilities and examined nearby trash bins in their quest to locate the perpetrator.
As efforts continue, the Mayor has implemented a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area. Residents near the university are urged to remain indoors or avoid returning home until the situation is deemed safe.
The university provided a timeline detailing how students and staff were alerted to the unfolding crisis (all times in Eastern):
Here is a timeline of events as the university alerted students and staff (All times Eastern):
4:22 p.m. — The university alerted the campus to an active shooter:
There’s an active shooter near Barus & Holley Engineering. Lock doors, silence phones and stay stay hidden until further notice. Remember: RUN, if you are in the affected location, evacuate safely if you can; HIDE, if evacuation is not possible, take cover; FIGHT, as a last resort, take action to protect yourself. Stay tuned for further safety information.
5:11 p.m. — Brown University issues a correction after initially saying a suspect was in custody and urged everyone to continue to shelter in place.
Continue to shelter in place. Remain away from Barus & Holley area. Police do not have a suspect in custody and continue to search for suspect(s). Brown coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies on site. Emergency medical on scene. Stay tuned for further safety information.
5:27 p.m. — There are reports of shots fired near Governor Street. (NOTE: This was later determined to be unfounded.)
Report of shots fired near Governor street. Continue to shelter in place. Stay clear. Law enforcement responding.
5:52 p.m. — The university asks people to continue to shelter in place as law enforcement worked to clear the area.
6:05 p.m. — Brown University releases an initial statement on the shooting. The university confirmed reports of multiple shooting victims and some being taken to local hospitals.
The statement reads in part:
We have been and continue to be very grateful to law enforcement and emergency medical personnel. Please continue to take all steps to remain safe. Follow the instructions of law enforcement personnel and avoid the area.
6:10 p.m. — The university updates the reports of a secondary shooting near Governor Street was unfounded but asks people to continue to shelter in place.
6:33 p.m. — Brown University updates that two people were killed in the shooting at the Barus & Holley engineering building. Eight additional victims were said to be in critical but stable condition.
We know there is a lot of fear and concern and uncertainty in the community right now. Law enforcement is actively working to identify the deceased victims, and the hospital personnel also are working to identify those transported to the hospital.
Potential witnesses were urged to contact police.
7:30 p.m. — People were reminded to continue to shelter in place.
7:38 p.m. — Brown University President Christina H. Paxson released a statement about the shooting.
“This is a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families and our local community. There are truly no words that can express the deep sorrow we are feeling for the victims of the shooting that took place today at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building,” Paxson’s statement read.
Paxson promised to continue to provide updates as soon as they could.
“This is a day that we hoped never would come to our community. It is deeply devastating for all of us. We are grateful to law enforcement for their immediate response and their ongoing work to ensure the safety of our community. Please continue to take all steps to be safe,” Paxson said at the conclusion of the statement.
8:13 p.m. — An update on victims’ conditions listed the eight as follows:
- 6 critical but stable
- 1 critical
- 1 stable
8:28 p.m. — The university continues to urge people to shelter in place.
The Brown campus continues to be in lockdown, and it is imperative that all members of our community remain sheltered in place. This means keeping all doors locked and ensuring no movement across campus. The law enforcement response remains ongoing. Safety is the utmost and essential priority.
9:29 p.m. — Brown University emphasized the need for people to continue to shelter in place.
9:36 p.m. — In an update, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said there was a ninth victim injured in the shooting by fragments. Those injuries are not life-threatening.
10:55 p.m. — Surveillance video is released of the suspected shooter:
11:06 p.m. — A perimeter was set by law enforcement around a portion of Brown’s campus. Those within the perimeter should shelter in place. Police are searching all administrative buildings to escort anyone in them to an area outside of the perimeter.
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