Authorities are actively searching for a suspect after a shooting near Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, left two people dead and nine others critically injured on Saturday (December 13). The incident occurred at the Barus and Holley building, which houses the university's engineering and physics departments.

According to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, the shooter or shooters remain at large, and the number of victims could change as the situation develops. The university issued an active-shooter alert, urging students and staff to shelter in place, lock doors, and silence phones. The alert was first sent at 4:22 p.m. local time, warning of the ongoing danger.

According to The New York Times, the shooting occurred during a Principles of Economics final exam review session.

Initial reports suggested a suspect was in custody, but officials later clarified that no one had been apprehended. The police are using all available resources to locate the suspect, described as a male dressed in black, who reportedly exited the building through the Hope Street side.

Providence Deputy Police Chief Timothy O’Hara said the suspect was seen on video, but his face was not visibiles. He said that witnesses reported the suspect may have been wearing a gray camouflage mask.

Smiley said that over 400 law enforcement officers have been deployed to search for the suspect.

“Every minute matters. We know every minute matters,” Smiley told reporters.

Federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are assisting local authorities in the investigation. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, and Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island stated that state law enforcement and emergency management officials are also involved.

The Providence Police Department has asked residents to avoid the area due to a heavy emergency response presence. As the investigation continues, the shelter-in-place order remains active, and the community is advised to stay informed through official channels.

Jeffrey T. Mason