2 dead, 8 critically injured in mass shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island

Two people were killed and eight others were critically injured following reports of an active shooter at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, according to city and university officials. Authorities said no suspect is in custody and a shelter-in-place order remains in effect.

The shooting was reported shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Barus & Holley Engineering building on the Brown University campus, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said during a press briefing.

Smiley said two people were pronounced dead and eight others were transported to a Rhode Island hospital, where they were described as critical but in stable condition. He said that the numbers are preliminary and subject to change.

“Our officers responded and entered that building immediately and began searching for that suspect,” Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said. He added that no suspect was located during the search.

Perez said police are looking for a male suspect who was dressed in black and believed to have exited the building on the Hope Street side. He said the firearm used in the shooting has not been recovered and that the suspect fled on foot and remains at large.

Brown University officials said the incident remains an active crime scene and that law enforcement continues to search for the suspect. The university confirmed that multiple exams were scheduled in the building between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

A report of a second shooting on Governor Street was investigated and later determined to be unfounded, police said.

Mayor Smiley said there were no prior indicators of a threat and confirmed that an individual initially believed to be involved was later determined to have no connection to the shooting. A shelter-in-place order remains in effect.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee said his office has been in contact with the White House regarding the incident. The FBI is assisting with the investigation, and a law enforcement presence remains at the building.