2 Dead, 9 Injured in Shooting at Brown University in the USA

In a shooting incident on Saturday afternoon at the prestigious private Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, USA, two students have been killed, officials say. Around 4:00 p.m. local time, a person opened fire indiscriminately, injuring nine other students.

The tragic event occurred while final exam preparation was underway in a classroom in the university’s engineering and physics building. The hospital has reported that some of the wounded are in critical condition. Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said that based on the condition of the injured, the death toll could rise.

The suspected shooter remains at large. According to police, the attacker was a man dressed entirely in black who fled the scene on foot. Officials have indicated that the suspect may be a young man around 30 years old.

Shortly after the incident, police had detained one person, but that individual was later released after it was determined they were not involved in the shooting. A massive manhunt is underway for the suspect. More than 400 law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies have been deployed.

Federal agencies including the FBI and ATF are also involved in the search operations. Meanwhile, Brown University and the surrounding area have issued warnings that there may still be shelters in place, and local residents are being urged to stay safely indoors.

President Donald Trump has said he has been briefed on the shooting. At a late-night press conference on Saturday, Mayor Brett Smiley said that the search for the shooter continued throughout the night and that local residents were advised to cancel weekend plans and remain safe.

He warned that with Christmas approaching, many residents may have had pre-scheduled holiday parties or church plans, urging heightened caution.