Two people have died and eight are injured after a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley announced.
Smiley made the announcement at a press conference alongside state officials including Gov. Brad McKee (D-RI), who called the shooting “unthinkable.”
The suspected shooter is not in custody, though law enforcement is looking for a male dressed in black, Providence Deputy Chief of Police Tim O’Hara said.
“We’re utilizing every resource possible to find this suspect,” O’Hara said. “Please do not come to the area.”
The Ivy League school previously sent out an active shooter alert around 4:30 p.m. Eastern time, urging students and staff to “lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice.”
“There’s an active shooter near Barus & Holley Engineering,” the alert said. “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.”
The university is still urging students to shelter in place.
President Donald Trump said he has been briefed on the shooting, adding that the FBI is on the scene.
“I have been briefed on the shooting that took place at Brown University in Rhode Island. The FBI is on the scene,” the president posted on Truth Social. “God bless the victims and the families of the victims!”
Lawmakers poured in with statements reacting to the shooting.
“Praying for the safety of students and law enforcement at Brown University as we await more information,” Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said. “May God protect everyone affected and bring comfort to their families and loved ones.”
State Attorney General Keith Hoffmann also said he is “sickened” by the reports.
“I am sickened by reports of a mass shooting at Brown University. It is devastating to see this kind of senseless violence strike our community. Right now my thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, the Brown community, and the police and other first responders responding to this horrific attack,” Hoffmann said in a statement.
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This is a developing story.
