Brown University and the city of Providence are grappling with shock and grief following a deadly shooting on campus that left two students dead and several others injured. The incident unfolded Saturday afternoon inside an academic building during final examinations, prompting a major law enforcement response and an ongoing multi-agency investigation.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting occurred shortly after 4:00 p.m. inside the Barus & Holley building, which houses engineering and physics classrooms. Students and faculty were inside the facility at the time, many of them attending scheduled exams. Campus police received an active shooter report and immediately initiated emergency protocols, including a shelter-in-place alert across the university.
One of the victims has been identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore originally from Birmingham, Alabama. News of her death was first shared by her home church, where she was remembered as deeply kind, thoughtful, and devoted to both her faith and her studies. University officials expressed condolences to her family and friends, while the second victim’s identity has not yet been released pending family notification.
In total, nine additional people sustained injuries during the attack. Their current conditions have not been publicly detailed, though officials indicated that several were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
According to investigators, the shooter discharged more than 40 rounds from a 9mm handgun inside a classroom before fleeing the campus. No weapon has been recovered, and police have not announced any arrests. Officials also stated that there are no surveillance cameras inside the specific classroom where the shooting occurred, complicating efforts to identify the suspect.
A 24-year-old man from Wisconsin was briefly detained as a person of interest during the early stages of the investigation. However, Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha later confirmed that the individual was released after further evidence pointed investigators in a different direction. Authorities declined to disclose details about the evidence, citing the active nature of the case.
Police have since released a short surveillance clip showing a person dressed in dark clothing walking calmly near the intersection of Hope and Waterman streets, not far from the campus. That individual is still considered a person of interest, and investigators are urging anyone with video footage from the surrounding area to come forward.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley sought to reassure residents, stating that there are no known ongoing threats to the broader community. Law enforcement presence remains elevated around the campus as a precaution, and counseling services have been expanded for students and staff affected by the tragedy.
Brown University President Christina H. Paxson described the shooting as one of the darkest days in the institution’s history. In a message to the university community, she emphasized solidarity, mourning, and support for those impacted, while thanking first responders for their swift actions.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined the investigation and established a public tip line to collect information, videos, or leads that may assist authorities. Officials stressed that even seemingly minor details could prove critical.
As the investigation continues, classes have been temporarily adjusted, and memorial plans are being discussed. The campus remains under heightened security as students, families, and faculty search for answers in the aftermath of an act that has deeply shaken the university community.
