Active Shooter Incident at Brown University: Two Confirmed Dead, Eight Critically Injured
In a tragic turn of events, Mayor Brett Smiley of Providence, Rhode Island, confirmed that two individuals have lost their lives and eight others are in critical condition following an active shooter situation reported at Brown University. The incident unfolded amid ongoing examinations on the Ivy League campus on the afternoon of December 9, 2023.
Rhode Island officials continue to seek the perpetrator, described only as a male dressed in black who fled the scene on foot. The police department in Providence issued alerts shortly after the incident occurred.
At a press conference, Mayor Smiley detailed that university authorities received a call alerting them to the shooting at approximately 4:05 PM local time. “I can confirm that there are two individuals who have died this afternoon, and there are another eight in critical but stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital,” he stated. He emphasized the evolving nature of the situation, noting that these numbers may change as more information becomes available.
In response to the unfolding emergency, Brown University quickly broadcasted guidance to students and staff. The communication advised individuals to lock doors, silence their phones, and stay hidden until further notice. The university encouraged those in immediate danger to consider evacuation, while also underscoring the importance of self-defense as a last resort.
Law enforcement reported additional gunfire near Governor Street, situated just two blocks from the primary site of the incident. In the wake of conflicting reports, Brown University clarified that no suspect was in custody, countering earlier statements that suggested otherwise.
This incident at Brown University follows a separate shooting that occurred just days earlier on December 5 at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, where one student was killed and another critically injured. The rising incidence of gun violence on school campuses has prompted educational institutions across the United States to implement active shooter preparedness drills.
As of December 9, 2023, the Gun Violence Archive reported that this year has seen at least 389 mass shootings, contributing to a growing concern regarding campus safety in the U.S. The academic community grapples with the implications of gun violence, affecting not just safety protocols but also the overall educational experience for thousands of students.
The occurrence of this tragic event during the final examination period at Brown University underscores the necessity for ongoing discussions about effective safety measures and the mental health support needed in academic environments. As a proud member of the Ivy League, Brown provides a diverse and dynamic educational atmosphere to its approximately 11,005 students, and this incident has jolted an otherwise serene academic setting.
The situation is ongoing, with law enforcement maintaining a significant presence on campus as investigations continue.
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