Brown University Shooting, 2 Students Killed, 9 Wounded as Rhode Island Shooting Suspect Captured at Hampton Inn in Coventry RI
A mass shooting at Brown University’s engineering building killed two students and wounded nine others during final exams Saturday afternoon, with a person of interest apprehended early Sunday morning at a Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island. The Rhode Island shooting suspect, described as being in their 30s, was detained around 3:45 a.m. in Coventry RI and allegedly had two firearms in their possession at the time of arrest. If you’re following this breaking story about who is the Brown University shooter and where is Brown University located, here’s what you need to know about the shooting timeline, victims, suspect arrest, and what happens next.
Where Is Brown University Located?
Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island, on College Hill in the state’s capital city. Where is Brown University located state? Rhode Island – specifically in Providence, the largest city in Rhode Island. The Ivy League institution sits in the northeastern United States, and the shooting occurred at the Barus & Holley engineering building on the Providence campus.
What Happened in the Brown University Shooting?
The shooting erupted Saturday afternoon in the engineering building of the Ivy League school in Providence, Rhode Island, during final exams. Police received a 911 call about an active shooter incident around 4:05 p.m. near the Barus & Holley engineering building.
Armed with a handgun, the shooter fired more than 40 9mm rounds. The gunman targeted a first-floor classroom where engineering design exams were underway, creating chaos as students scrambled for safety.
Brown University issued its first emergency alert at 4:22 p.m., seventeen minutes after emergency responders received the 911 call, warning that there was a gunman near the engineering building and advising those present to silence their phones and hide.
The shooter fled the scene on foot through the Hope Street exit before police arrived, triggering a massive overnight manhunt involving more than 400 law enforcement officers.
Timeline: From Shooting to Arrest
Saturday, December 13, 2025:
- 4:05 p.m.: 911 call received about active shooter at Barus & Holley building
- 4:15-4:22 p.m.: Brown University issues first emergency alert warning students to shelter in place
- 4:30 p.m.: Police arrive and begin clearing the building; shooter had already fled
- Evening: Shelter-in-place order issued for Brown campus and surrounding Providence neighborhoods
- Late night: More than 400 law enforcement officers conduct manhunt; FBI releases surveillance video of suspect
Sunday, December 14, 2025:
- 3:45 a.m.: Person of interest detained at Hampton Inn in Coventry, Rhode Island
- 5:42 a.m.: Shelter-in-place order lifted for Brown campus
- 7:00 a.m.: Providence Mayor Brett Smiley confirms person of interest in custody at press conference
- Morning: All remaining fall semester exams and classes canceled
How Many People Were Killed or Wounded?
Two students were killed in the shooting. Nine people were wounded. Seven people are in stable condition, one is in critical but stable condition, while one person was treated and released.
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that at least 10 of the 11 people shot were students. The ninth victim did not suffer a gunshot wound but had received fragments from the shooting that had occurred near them, with non-life-threatening injuries.
All victims were transported to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. Nine people with gunshot wounds were taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where one was in critical condition.
The identities of the deceased students have not been publicly released as authorities work to notify families.
Who Is the Brown University Shooter? Person of Interest Brown University Details
Who is the Brown University shooter? Authorities have a person of interest Brown University shooting in custody but have not publicly released their identity. The suspect in Brown University shooting is described as:
- Male in their 30s
- Not a Brown University student, faculty, or staff member
- Captured in Coventry RI at approximately 3:45 a.m. Sunday
- Allegedly in possession of two firearms at time of arrest
- Has not been formally charged as of Sunday morning
- Currently held as “person of interest” pending investigation
Col. Oscar Perez, chief of the Providence police, confirmed at a news conference that the detained person was in their 30s and that authorities are not currently searching for anyone else. He declined to say whether the person was connected to the university.
The person of interest Brown University case involves a Rhode Island shooting suspect who fled the scene on foot after the attack and was tracked to a hotel in Coventry RI approximately 20 miles south of Providence.
How Was the Suspect in Brown University Shooting Captured at Hampton Inn Coventry RI?
The suspect in Brown University shooting was apprehended at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Providence. The Rhode Island shooting suspect was caught about 3:45 a.m. at the hotel in Coventry RI, about 28 miles south of Providence.
Details of the Coventry RI Arrest
A tip from the public led police to a Hampton Inn in Coventry RI, where the person of interest was detained. The hotel is located on Centre of New England Boulevard in Coventry, Rhode Island.
A hotel guest was grabbing breakfast in the lobby early Sunday morning when he noticed a huge law enforcement presence surrounding the Hampton Inn in Coventry RI.
An NBC 10 news crew observed numerous law enforcement cruisers at the Centre of New England Boulevard location. Officers remained on the scene there, with police tape blocking off a hallway.
The arrest in Coventry RI happened peacefully without incident. Multiple law enforcement agencies including Providence Police, Rhode Island State Police, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives coordinated the apprehension at the Coventry location.
Why Coventry RI? Investigators have not disclosed how the Rhode Island shooting suspect ended up at the Hampton Inn in Coventry RI or whether they had connections to that area. The distance from Providence to Coventry RI is approximately 20-28 miles, making it accessible by car within 30-45 minutes.
Surveillance Video and Suspect Description
Police released surveillance video showing a person of interest, dressed in black, calmly walking away from the scene down Hope Street near the engineering building. The suspected shooter was seen by eyewitnesses escaping on foot through the Hope Street exit.
Officials released video of the suspect, a male possibly in his 30s and dressed in black, who may have been wearing a mask. Some of the witnesses have told police that the suspect may have been wearing a camouflage mask, but the official said that hasn’t been confirmed.
The suspect’s face is not visible in the released video. The FBI launched a dedicated website at FBI.gov/BrownUniversityShooting for the public to share tips, photos, and videos.
What Charges Are Being Considered?
As of Sunday morning, no charges have been filed. The person remains in custody as a “person of interest” while the investigation continues.
Potential Criminal Charges Under Rhode Island Law
Based on similar mass shooting prosecutions, the person of interest could face:
Murder Charges:
- Two counts of first-degree murder (each carrying life imprisonment without parole)
- Rhode Island abolished the death penalty in 1984
Attempted Murder Charges:
- Nine counts of attempted murder with serious bodily injury
- Each count carries up to 20 years imprisonment
Weapons Violations:
- Illegal discharge of a firearm
- Carrying a pistol without a license
- Use of a firearm during commission of a felony
Additional Charges:
- Assault with a deadly weapon (multiple counts)
- Reckless endangerment
Federal Charges Possible
The FBI’s involvement suggests possible federal charges could include:
- Use of a firearm to commit murder during a violent crime
- Hate crime charges if motive reveals bias
- Federal weapons trafficking if guns were obtained illegally across state lines
Investigation Updates and Evidence
Authorities retrieved two loaded 30-round magazines from the scene. Officials retrieved shell casings from the scene of the shooting.
Police said it was unknown how the suspect entered the building, but the doors were unlocked because exams were taking place. Police have not provided any information about the firearm that was used in the shooting, and said the weapon was not immediately recovered.
Investigators are examining:
- Surveillance footage from campus and surrounding areas
- Witness testimony from students and faculty in the building
- Forensic evidence including shell casings and ballistics
- The suspect’s background and any connection to Brown University
- Whether the attack was targeted or random
- Social media and digital footprint of the person in custody
Providence police chief Col. Oscar Perez says his department is still investigating and collecting evidence.
What’s Known About the Motive?
Authorities have not released any information about a possible motive. Key unanswered questions include:
- Was the shooter targeting specific individuals or was this a random attack?
- Did the person have any connection to Brown University, its students, or faculty?
- Was there any prior indication or threat before the shooting?
- What drove the person to this campus during final exams?
Investigators were not immediately sure how the shooter got inside the first-floor classroom. Outer doors of the building were unlocked but rooms being used for final exams required badge access.
The FBI and Providence Police are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the person’s background, digital communications, and any potential warning signs.
What Happens Next in the Criminal Case?
Immediate Next Steps
Arraignment: Once charges are filed, the person will be arraigned in Rhode Island Superior Court. This typically occurs within 24-72 hours of arrest for serious felonies.
Bail Hearing: Given the severity of the allegations (two murders, nine attempted murders), bail will almost certainly be denied. Rhode Island law allows pre-trial detention for defendants who pose a danger to the community.
Preliminary Hearing: Within 10-14 days, prosecutors must present evidence to establish probable cause for the charges.
Grand Jury Indictment: Rhode Island requires grand jury indictment for felonies punishable by more than one year. The grand jury will review evidence and determine formal charges.
Legal Proceedings Timeline
Based on similar mass shooting cases:
Months 1-3: Arraignment, bail denial, preliminary hearings, grand jury indictment, discovery process begins
Months 3-12: Extensive discovery, mental health evaluations if defense requests, motions practice, potential plea negotiations
Months 12-24: Trial preparation if no plea agreement reached, jury selection, trial
Post-Trial: Sentencing, appeals process
Mass shooting trials are complex and can take 18-36 months to reach verdict. The prosecution will need to prove:
- Identity of the shooter
- Intent to kill
- Premeditation for murder charges
- Mental competency to stand trial
Defense Considerations
Potential defense strategies could include:
- Mental health defenses (insanity, diminished capacity)
- Challenging identification evidence
- Challenging admissibility of evidence
- Negotiating plea agreement to avoid trial
Brown University’s Response and Safety Measures
University officials on Sunday canceled all classes, exams, papers and projects for the remainder of the fall semester and said students were free to leave. Provost Francis Doyle said this choice was made out of profound concern for all students, faculty and staff on campus.
Campus Safety Actions Implemented
Immediate Response:
- Shelter-in-place order issued at 4:22 p.m. Saturday
- Emergency alerts sent via text, email, and app notifications
- Reunification center established at Nelson Fitness Center at 225 Hope St.
- Law enforcement escorted students to safety from buildings
- Campus remained on lockdown overnight
Ongoing Support:
- Counseling services available for students, faculty, and staff
- Students allowed to leave campus but support services available for those remaining
- Academic accommodations for incomplete exams and coursework
- Mental health resources mobilized
University Statement
Brown University President Christina Paxson said: “This is a deeply tragic day for Brown, our families and our local community. There are truly no words that can express the deep sorrow we are feeling for the victims of the shooting that took place today at the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building”.
In her letter, Paxson wrote: “This is a day that we hoped never would come to our community. It is deeply devastating for all of us”.
Resources for Victims and Families
Victim Support Services
Rhode Island Victim Services:
- Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (401) 467-9940
- Day One Sexual Assault & Trauma Resource Center: (401) 421-4100
- Rhode Island Attorney General Victim Services: (401) 274-4400
Brown University Resources:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): (401) 863-3476
- Office of Student Life Emergency Support
- Chaplains Office: (401) 863-2344
National Resources:
- National Center for Victims of Crime: 1-855-4-VICTIM
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Financial Assistance
Victims of violent crimes may be eligible for:
- Rhode Island Victims Compensation Program (covers medical expenses, counseling, lost wages)
- Crime Victims Fund assistance for funeral/burial costs
- Civil lawsuits against responsible parties
- GoFundMe and community support funds
Reporting Tips and Information
FBI Brown University Shooting Tip Line:
- Website: FBI.gov/BrownUniversityShooting
- Phone: 1-800-CALL-FBI
- Providence Police: (401) 272-3121
Community Impact and Response
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley was emotional as he discussed the city’s efforts to prepare for a mass shooting: “We all, intellectually, knew it could happen anywhere, including here, but that’s not the same as it happening in our community, and so this is an incredibly upsetting and emotional time for Providence, for Brown, for all of us. It’s not something that we should have to train for, but we have”.
Local Events Affected
Organizers of the Providence Downtown Jingle Run 5K said that they are postponing Sunday’s planned event because of the shooting at Brown University. Many local businesses announced they would remain closed Sunday and expressed shock and heartbreak.
Political Response
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee told reporters: “The unthinkable has happened,” pledging support for local authorities and the families of the victims. He told reporters he had spoken to President Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Trump said he was briefed about the shooting, and said the FBI was on the scene. “What a terrible thing it is, and all we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt”.
National Context
The shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and nine others injured Saturday echoes the pain felt 13 years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary. So far in 2025, there have been at least 389 mass shootings and 13,920 shooting deaths in the United States.
Providence Mayor Smiley said: “We have a generation of kids who have had to do active shooter trainings. That’s not something I had to do when I was a kid”.
Student Accounts of the Shooting
Engineering Student’s Experience
Emma Ferraro, a chemical engineering student, was in the building’s lobby working on a final project when she heard loud pops coming from the east side. Once she realized they were gunshots, she darted for the door and ran to a nearby building where she sheltered for several hours.
Students Hiding Under Desks
Students in a nearby lab turned off the lights and hid under desks after receiving an alert about the shooting. Brown University sophomore Satvik Paduri said: “I definitely don’t feel comfortable going out of my dorm room, just because they hadn’t found the shooter”.
Alex Bruce, a Brown senior biochemistry student, was working on a final research project in his dorm directly across the street from the building when he heard sirens outside. “I’m just in here shaking,” he said, watching through the window as armed officers surrounded his dorm.
‘Survivor’ Contestant’s Close Call
Eva Erickson, a doctoral candidate who was the runner-up earlier this year on the CBS reality competition show “Survivor,” said she left her lab in the engineering building 15 minutes before shots rang out. She was locked down in the campus gym following the shooting.
How This Compares to Other Campus Shootings
Recent Campus Shooting Incidents
On December 9, Kentucky State University in the southern city of Frankfort also experienced gunfire on campus that killed one student and left a second critically injured. The suspect in that case was identified as Jacob Lee Bard, the parent of a student at the school.
Historical Context
The Brown University shooting joins a tragic list of campus mass shootings:
- Virginia Tech (2007): 32 killed, 17 wounded
- University of Texas (1966): 14 killed, 31 wounded
- Northern Illinois University (2008): 5 killed, 17 wounded
- Umpqua Community College (2015): 9 killed, 8 wounded
- Michigan State University (2023): 3 killed, 5 wounded
Law Enforcement Response Improvements
The rapid response at Brown reflected lessons learned from previous campus shootings:
- Active shooter protocols implemented immediately
- More than 400 officers deployed within hours
- Multi-agency coordination (local, state, federal)
- Advanced surveillance technology to track suspect
- Public tip systems via FBI website
- Swift apprehension within 12 hours
About Brown University
Brown, the seventh oldest higher education institution in the U.S., is one of the nation’s most prestigious colleges with roughly 7,300 undergraduates and more than 3,000 graduate students. The Ivy League university is located on College Hill in Providence, Rhode Island’s capital city.
The Barus & Holley building houses the School of Engineering and physics department, including more than 100 laboratories and dozens of classrooms and offices.
Saturday was the second day of final exams for the fall semester. The shooting occurred during a period when students were preparing for or taking exams ahead of winter break.
What Brown Mattress Owners Should Know
Campus Security Questions Raised
Investigators were not immediately sure how the shooter got inside the first-floor classroom. Outer doors of the building were unlocked but rooms being used for final exams required badge access.
Provost Doyle said at the news conference that cards are swiped to access the building but that there was “probably a lot of traffic” during the exams that took place between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
This raises questions about:
- Building access controls during high-traffic exam periods
- Security presence in academic buildings
- Emergency response protocols
- Active shooter training effectiveness
Universities nationwide will likely review their security measures in light of this incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the Brown University shooter?
The suspect in Brown University shooting is a male in their 30s who is not affiliated with Brown University. Authorities have not released the person’s identity as they remain a “person of interest” and have not been formally charged. The Rhode Island shooting suspect was captured at a Hampton Inn in Coventry RI early Sunday morning.
Q: Where is Brown University located state?
Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island. The Ivy League school sits on College Hill in Rhode Island’s capital city. The shooting occurred at the Barus & Holley engineering building on the Providence campus.
Q: What is Coventry RI and why was the suspect there?
Coventry RI (Coventry, Rhode Island) is a town located approximately 20-28 miles south of Providence. The person of interest Brown University shooting was apprehended at a Hampton Inn hotel in Coventry RI at approximately 3:45 a.m. Sunday. Authorities have not disclosed why the Rhode Island shooting suspect fled to Coventry or if they had connections to that area.
Q: Has the person of interest Brown University been charged?
As of Sunday morning, no charges have been filed against the suspect in Brown University shooting. The person remains in custody as investigators gather evidence and build their case. Charges are expected to be filed within 24-72 hours.
Q: Were the victims students or faculty?
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that at least 10 of the 11 people shot were students. The identities have not been publicly released.
Q: Is there still danger to the Brown community?
Authorities confirmed they are not currently searching for anyone else. The shelter-in-place order has been lifted and police believe there is no ongoing threat following the arrest of the Rhode Island shooting suspect in Coventry RI.
Q: Will there be a trial?
If charges are filed, the case will proceed through the Rhode Island criminal justice system. The person could face trial or negotiate a plea agreement. Given the severity (two murders, nine attempted murders), this case will likely take 18-36 months to resolve.
Q: How did police find the suspect so quickly?
A tip from the public led police to a Hampton Inn in Coventry RI, where the person of interest was detained. Surveillance video and coordinated multi-agency efforts also contributed to the rapid apprehension within 12 hours of the shooting.
Q: What happens to the fall semester?
All remaining exams, classes, papers, and projects have been canceled. Students are free to leave campus. The university will provide information about academic accommodations in the coming days.
Q: Can I help the victims?
Wait for official fundraising campaigns to be announced through Brown University or verified victim support organizations. Contact Brown’s Office of Student Life or Rhode Island Victim Services for information on supporting victims and families.
Q: What security changes will Brown implement?
The university has not yet announced specific security enhancements. Expect comprehensive security reviews of building access, emergency alert systems, and active shooter protocols.
Conclusion: Rhode Island Shooting Suspect in Custody, Community in Mourning
The Brown University shooting has devastated the Providence community and shocked the nation. With two students dead and nine wounded, families are grieving as law enforcement continues investigating the Rhode Island shooting suspect detained at the Hampton Inn in Coventry RI.
As criminal charges are expected to be filed against the person of interest Brown University shooting in the coming days, the focus remains on supporting victims, their families, and a traumatized campus community. The rapid apprehension of the suspect in Brown University shooting within 12 hours—from the Providence campus to Coventry RI—demonstrates effective law enforcement coordination, but raises ongoing questions about campus security during vulnerable periods like final exams.
For those asking “who is the Brown University shooter” and “where is Brown University located state,” authorities confirm the person in custody is a male in their 30s not affiliated with the university, and Brown University is located in Providence, Rhode Island.
For continued updates on the criminal case, charges filed against the Rhode Island shooting suspect, arraignment proceedings, and victim support resources, monitor official statements from Providence Police, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, and Brown University.
Last Updated: December 14, 2025, 10:30 AM EST
Official Information Sources:
- Providence Police Department: (401) 272-3121
- FBI Brown University Shooting Tips: FBI.gov/BrownUniversityShooting
- Brown University Emergency Updates: brown.edu/emergency
- Rhode Island Attorney General: (401) 274-4400
Victim Support:
- Rhode Island Victims Compensation Program: (401) 528-5370
- Brown Counseling Services: (401) 863-3476
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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