An active shooter was reported on or near the campus of Brown University in Rhode Island on Saturday. Providence police said multiple people have been shot in the area of the university. According to Fox News, an alert text message sent to students said to “lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden until further notice.” “Remember: RUN, if you are in the affected location, evacuate safely if you can; HIDE, if evacuation is not possible, take cover; FIGHT, as a last resort, take action to protect yourself,” the alert read. Community Alert on Active Shooter Situation: https://t.co/Qm87sy5ILr — Brown University (@BrownUniversity) December 13, 2025 More from the Associated Press: University officials initially told students and staff that a suspect was in custody, before later saying that was not the case and that police were still searching for a suspect or suspects, according to alerts issued through Brown’s emergency notification system. “We’re still getting information about what’s going on, but we’re just telling people to lock their doors and to stay vigilant,” said Providence Councilmember John Goncalves, whose ward includes the Brown campus. “As a Brown alum, someone who loves the Brown community and represents this area, I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to all the family members and the folks who’ve been impacted.” The reported shooting occurred near the Barus & Holley building, a seven-story complex that houses the university’s School of Engineering and physics department. According to the university’s website, the building includes more than 100 laboratories, dozens of classrooms and offices. Engineering design exams were underway in the building when the shooting occurred. President Donald Trump said late in the afternoon that he has been briefed on the shooting. “I have been briefed on the shooting that took place at Brown University in Rhode Island. The FBI is on the scene. The suspect is in custody. God bless the victims and the families of the victims!” Trump said. “I have been briefed on the shooting that took place at Brown University in Rhode Island. The FBI is on the scene. The suspect is in custody. God bless the victims and the families of the victims!” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/3aajBXd3XT — The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 13, 2025 “FBI personnel are on the scene and assisting this evening after the shooting at Brown University and we will provide all capabilities necessary. Please pray for all those involved. We will update with more information as we are able,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. FBI personnel are on the scene and assisting this evening after the shooting at Brown University and we will provide all capabilities necessary. Please pray for all those involved. We will update with more information as we are able. — FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) December 13, 2025 Some X users said the shooter is still at-large and everyone in the area should remain on high alert. BREAKING UPDATE: After originally saying a shooter was in custody, Brown University is now saying the shooter is AT LARGE Shooter was reportedly masked during the incident. STAY ALERT IN PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND! pic.twitter.com/VBxo03twET — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 13, 2025 Trump later confirmed the suspect is “NOT in custody.” “The Brown University Police reversed their previous statement — The suspect is NOT in custody,” he said on Truth Social. BREAKING UPDATE: PRESIDENT TRUMP says a suspect is NOT in custody, saying Brown University Police RETRACTED their statement. Holy crap. https://t.co/ONHOrQMWra pic.twitter.com/YLbBONloPz — Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) December 13, 2025 Fox News shared further: As of 5:11 p.m. local time, no suspects were in custody, according to a Brown University alert. Multiple law enforcement agencies are at the scene, according to university officials. “This is an active investigation,” Providence Police Department officials wrote in a statement on X. “Please shelter in place or avoid the area until further notice.” Brown University, the Providence Police Department and Rhode Island State Police did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee said in a statement on X he is actively monitoring the Brown University shooting. “Our teams at @RIStatePolice and @RhodeIslandEMA are working closely with local law enforcement,” McKee wrote in the post. “Please stay clear of the area and monitor official channels for updates. Praying for our community.” This story is developing!