‘Unthinkable’: Brown University shooting condemned by Trump and New England Patriots
A fatal shooting broke out on Brown University campus on Saturday night, leaving two dead, eight injured and the last days of campus life before holiday break shattered.
The shooter was still at large and a shelter-in-place order was still in effect for Brown University and the surround community as of 8:30 p.m. on Saturday.
The suspect was a man wearing all black, police said. Investigators launched a manhunt, canvassing the campus and its buildings, speaking to witnesses.
The violence drew swift responses from national figures and local leaders, who expressed grief and called for unity as investigators continue to piece together what happened.
President Trump
President Donald Trump spoke to reporters while leaving the Army-Navy football game in Baltimore and stated, "What a terrible thing it is," according to reports from the Providence Journal .
"And all we can do right now is pray for the victims and for those that were very badly hurt, it looks like ... We'll inform you later as to what's happening, but it's a shame. It's a shame," he said. "Just pray."
Earlier in the evening, Trump posted on Truth Social about the situation.
"I have been briefed on the shooting the took place at Brown University in Rhode Island. The FBI is on the scene," he wrote on Truth Social. "God bless the victims and the families of the victims."
He originally mistakenly reported that the suspect was in custody, but walked that back in minutes and posted, "the Brown University Police reversed their previous statement – the suspect is not in custody."
Rhode Island Gov. McKee
Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee called the shooting "unthinkable" during a press conference on the incident Saturday night.
He added the state has been in contact with the White House and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. Additionally, Rhode Island State Police and Emergency Management were deployed, he said.
"We will bring all our resources to the table," McKee said.
"I've been in touch with Governor Healy, as well as other governors who have experienced the same tragedy, so our thoughts go out to those who have been impacted by this in any way," he continued.
"… and we'll continue to provide the assistance to the authorities here in Providence as well as statewide, and continue to make sure that we are doing everything we can to help the families that are suffering right now," McKee said.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, who lives near campus and was alerted shortly after the shooting began, said the shooting is indicative of the state of the country.
"Sadly, today is a day that the city of Providence and state of Rhode Island prayed would never come," Smiley said during the press conference. "We've heard about horrific acts of gun violence and active shooter situations in other places, but not here."
He continued, "This is a sad state of our country right now where you have to plan for these things, and hopefully the community takes some comfort to know that their Providence leadership has planned for this occurrence, including very recently."
Smiley emphasized the shooting comes just a week and a half before Christmas, urging prayers for the victims' families.
"Understand that this is not something our community has gone through together. But I also know this community, and I know that its best moments are when we come together to support one another," Smiley said.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots denounced the shooting i n a post on X and stated the team was "heartbroken."
"The New England Patriots are heartbroken by the horrific events at Brown University," the statement read.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected and their families, and we remain grateful to the first responders and law enforcement who acted swiftly to protect the students, faculty, staff and the community. We stand with Brown University and our neighbors in Rhode Island during this difficult time."
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey
Healey was in close contact with McKee on Saturday night, McKee said during the press conference.
"My heart is with @BrownUniversity and the City of Providence, and I'm praying for everyone impacted by this tragic act of violence," Healey said in a statement on X.
" @MassStatePolice are in close contact with Rhode Island officials and I've been in touch with @GovDanMcKee to offer our full support and assistance."
Brown University shooting
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