By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Providence, R.I. — At least 2 people were killed and 8 injured in a shooting near Brown University’s Barus & Holley (engineering) building on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025; victims were described as critical but stable, officials said. AP News
- Suspect not in custody as of early evening; shelter-in-place orders and an active search extended around Brook/Thayer/Hope Streets. The Washington Post+1
- FBI and multiple agencies assisting Providence Police; Brown retracted an earlier message claiming an arrest and urged continued sheltering. AP News
- Heavy response with SWAT and dozens of EMS units; reports of additional gunfire off-campus (e.g., Governor Street) were later labeled unfounded by university alerts, but sheltering continued.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A shooting near Brown University’s engineering complex left at least two people dead and eight others wounded Saturday, prompting a sweeping police response and campus lockdown as authorities searched for a gunman, officials said. The university urged students and staff to shelter in place while Providence Police coordinated with state and federal partners, including the FBI. AP News+1
The incident unfolded in the area of the Barus & Holley building — home to Brown’s engineering and physics programs — during the second day of final exams. Emergency alerts from the university and city described an active shooter, and by late afternoon officials said no suspect was in custody. Victims were transported with injuries described as critical but stable. AP News+1
Authorities established perimeters around Brook, Thayer and Hope Streets amid a heavy law-enforcement and EMS presence. Local media reported Providence SWAT units entering campus buildings and a large concentration of rescue vehicles staged nearby. City officials asked residents to avoid the area and to report any information to police. GoLocalProv
Earlier messaging that a suspect had been detained was later corrected by the university, which reiterated shelter-in-placeguidance and said the search remained active. Federal and local investigators continued canvassing for evidence and potential additional victims as evening approached. No information on a motive or suspect description was immediately released. AP News+1
This is a developing story. Details may change as authorities release confirmed information.
About The MES Dispatch
The MES Dispatch, powered by MES Life Safety, brings together frontline news, operational lessons, and gear insights for fire, EMS, and law enforcement professionals. Contact: 1-877-711-5557. Visit: www.meslifesafety.com.
About MES Life Safety
MES Life Safety supports first responders across the U.S. and Canada with life-saving equipment, uniforms/apparel, and customer support programs tailored to operational needs. Through our Total Customer Care (TCC) approach, we help agencies plan replacements, navigate funding, and maintain readiness with responsive post-sale support. For details, contact your MES representative or your regional TCC coordinator.