‘Shooter dressed in black’ still on run: Deadly shooting at Brown University — how events unfolded

At least two people were killed and eight others critically injured after a shooting at Brown University, Rhode Island on Saturday, police said, as officers rushed to the campus and searched for the suspect.

Officials said the gunman, who is still being searched for, was dressed in black. Authorities initially reported that a suspect was in custody but later clarified that no arrests had been made.




"I can confirm that there are two individuals who have died this afternoon, and there are another eight in critical status," Providence, Rhode Island Mayor Brett Smiley told a news conference.

US president Donald Trump reacted to the shooting on Truth Social, saying, "I have been briefed on the shooting that took place at Brown University in Rhode Island. The FBI is on the scene. The suspect is in custody. God bless the victims and the families of the victims!"

How the shooting unfolded

At around 4:15 pm, Brown University sent an alert asking everyone on campus to lock doors, silence phones, and stay hidden until further notice.

The initial alert also warned: “As a last resort, take action to protect yourself.” Authorities continued to urge people to shelter in place.

Engineering design exams were underway there when the shooting occurred.

Ansel Edison, an 18-year-old freshman, was on the ground floor of the science library when he saw a large number of police vehicles arrive. Students began rushing in from the engineering building. "A panicked student came in and said there had been 20 shots fired," Edison said.

Alex Bruce, a senior biochemistry student at Brown, told AP, he was working on his final research project in his dorm across the street when he heard sirens and received a text alert about an active shooter shortly after 4 pm.

“‘I’m just sitting here shaking,’ he said, watching through the window as about half a dozen armed officers in tactical gear surrounded his dorm. He added that he was worried about a friend he believed was inside the engineering building at the time.