Brown University is facing one of the darkest moments in its history after a campus shooting left two students dead and nine others injured. The administration responded by cancelling all remaining exams, papers and projects for the rest of the fall 2025 semester. At a time traditionally spent finishing coursework, the campus is now focused on grief, safety and supporting one another.
A Campus Forced to Pause
Provost Francis J. Doyle III said the decision was made out of concern for the wellbeing of students, faculty and staff. He emphasized that the campus needs space to recover from the fear and confusion that settled in after the violence. The university is encouraging those who feel able to leave campus to do so, while services remain available for students who stay.
Returning to Basic Needs
After the shelter in place order was lifted on Sunday morning, essential facilities began reopening. Sharpe Refectory, the university’s largest dining hall, welcomed students needing meals. While daily routines resumed in fragments, large parts of campus remain restricted as police conduct their investigation.
What is Cancelled After the Campus Shooting?
- Brown University has cancelled all remaining undergraduate and graduate exams, papers and final projects for the fall 2025 semester.
- The decision was announced after the shooting that left two students dead and nine others injured.
- Provost Francis J. Doyle III said academics are paused so the community can focus on safety, care and emotional support.
- The university emphasized that students should prioritize well-being over coursework during this period.
- Students who are able may leave campus, while those who stay will have access to counseling, housing and support services.
- Sharpe Refectory, the main dining facility, reopened after the shelter in place order was lifted.
- A person of interest was taken into custody early Sunday at a hotel in the Providence area.
- The suspect was initially described as a man in his 30s wearing dark clothing.
- Over 400 law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies responded to the scene.
- President Christina Paxson confirmed the two deceased individuals were students, along with most of the injured.
- Police continue to collect evidence, interview witnesses and secure active crime areas on campus.
- Officials said swift coordination helped lead to an arrest within 24 hours of the attack.
- President Donald Trump publicly asked Americans to pray for the victims and those severely injured.
- Brown University has confirmed that no make-up exams or alternate submissions are required.
- The school stated the priority is healing, stability and community support, not academic deadlines.
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Person of Interest Detained
Authorities announced that a person of interest was taken into custody at a Providence-area hotel early Sunday. Initial descriptions pointed to a man in his thirties wearing dark clothing. Although the immediate threat appears to have passed, police activity continues around the engineering building where the shooting occurred.
A Massive Law Enforcement Response
Over 400 officers from local, state and federal agencies converged on the scene Saturday afternoon. The shooting happened just after 4 p.m., inside an engineering building with unlocked doors as students studied for finals. Law enforcement worked through the night to evacuate buildings and guide students to a reunification center. University President Christina Paxson confirmed that both victims and most of the injured, were students.
Investigators Begin Their Work
Police Chief Oscar Perez said investigators will now gather evidence, coordinate with prosecutors and interview eyewitnesses. Federal officials praised the cooperation among agencies, crediting it for helping them identify and detain the suspect within a day. Officials have not released additional details about motives or how the incident unfolded.
National Attention & Calls for Prayer
President Donald Trump, briefed on the shooting, expressed sympathy and asked the public to pray for the victims. His comments echoed the sense of shock felt across Providence and beyond as the community searches for understanding after a day marked by chaos and heartbreak.
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Disclaimer: This editorial reflects available information and general analysis; it should not be taken as legal or official investigative guidance.