On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, experienced a tragic mass shooting at the Barus & Holley engineering building. A gunman opened fire during the afternoon, striking multiple students. Two students were killed, and nine others were injured, some critically. Law enforcement and emergency responders acted quickly to secure the scene and transport victims to nearby hospitals, where trauma teams worked to stabilize the injured. The shooter fled on foot and remained at large in the following days, prompting an urgent manhunt.
Brown University activated its emergency protocols immediately, issuing alerts through phone, text, and email to shelter in place. The campus went into lockdown as law enforcement converged, and classes and exams were canceled while counselors and support services assisted the community. Public vigils and gatherings were organized to mourn the victims and provide support to the injured and their families, as the university and surrounding areas struggled to process the sudden violence.
Authorities, including Providence police and the FBI, launched a coordinated investigation. Surveillance footage captured a person of interest near the campus prior to the shooting, and law enforcement requested public assistance with tips or relevant video evidence. As of the latest reports, the suspect remained at large, armed and dangerous, and a reward of up to $50,000 was offered for information leading to arrest and conviction.
The investigation expanded following a separate killing on December 15 in Brookline, Massachusetts, where MIT professor Nuno F.G. Loureiro, a nuclear science expert, was shot at his home. Authorities are exploring potential links between the two incidents, including shared evidence or suspect connections. While no confirmed connection has been established, officials have not ruled out the possibility of related motives or individuals.
The Brown University community and the broader Providence area have been deeply affected by the shooting. Students, families, and staff continue to cope with grief and trauma, while calls for improved campus safety, emergency alert systems, and mental health support have grown. University leadership addressed questions about security and communication, emphasizing support for survivors and efforts to prevent future violence. Local schools increased police presence, and community discussions have focused on long-term recovery and mental health resources.
Law enforcement continues a thorough and methodical search for the suspect. Investigators have canvassed neighborhoods, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed both public and private surveillance footage to reconstruct the timeline and identify the perpetrator. While possible links to the MIT professor’s death are being explored, authorities stress that definitive conclusions will depend on continued investigative work and credible public information. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
