Brown University shooting: How the deadly attack unfolded in Rhode Island

What happened

The shooting occurred on Saturday afternoon inside a classroom at the Barus & Holley engineering building, a seven-storey complex housing Brown University’s School of Engineering. University President Christina Paxson said she was told that nearly all the victims were students.

Final exams were underway at the time of the attack when two students were shot dead while eight others suffered gunshot wounds, most of them critical but stable. A ninth person was injured by bullet fragments, officials said. However, it is yet to be established whether the ninth injured is a student or not.

Officers scattered across the campus and into an affluent neighbourhood filled with historic and stately brick homes, searching for the suspecr in academic buildings, backyards and porches for hours late into the night after the shooting erupted in the afternoon.

The suspect was a male in dark clothing who was last seen leaving the engineering building where the attack happened, said Timothy O’Hara, deputy chief of Providence police.

“I’m numb, but not surprised,” said Brown sophomore Zoe Weissman, who has previously spoken out on gun violence.

How the shooting unfolded

Providence police said the suspect entered the building while outer doors were unlocked for exams. Investigators are still determining how the shooter accessed the classroom, as exam rooms require badge access.

Witnesses reported hearing loud ‘popping’ sounds before realising shots had been fired.

Emma Ferraro, a chemical engineering student, said she was working in the lobby when she heard the gunfire and ran to a nearby building, where she sheltered for several hours. Other students hid under desks, turned off lights, or took refuge in nearby shops and campus buildings.

What has the police found out so far

Police said the suspect is a man possibly in his 30s, dressed in black, and may have been wearing a camouflage-style mask. Video footage shows him leaving the engineering building, though his face is not visible.

Investigators recovered shell casings from the scene and believe a handgun was used, according to law enforcement officials.

A person briefly detained was later found to have no involvement.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said streets around the campus were secured and the shelter-in-place order would remain until the first phase of the investigation is complete. Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are assisting local and state police.

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee called the incident ‘unthinkable’ and vowed to deploy all resources to catch the suspect. US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed and offered prayers for the victims.

Brown University officials said counselling and support services have been made available as the campus awaits further updates from the police.

(With inputs from AP, Reuters, PTI)