Brown University Provost says classes and exams cancelled after shooting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Brown University Provost Francis Doyle said that all classes, exams, and papers at the university were cancelled after the shooting that killed two and injured nine on Dec. 13.

A person of interest in the shooting was taken into custody early Sunday morning.

Doyle said the decision was made out of “concern for all students, faculty, and staff.”

The provost also said that students were free to leave campus and any who remained would have access to services and support.

Providence police said the suspect in the shooting was taken into custody around 4 a.m. after a tip was received.

The shelter in place order for the university and surrounding community was then lifted.

Police also said the suspect was not a university student.

Doyle’s full statement can be read below:

Dear Members of the Brown Community,

I’m writing to follow up on President Paxson’s update from a short time ago to provide additional information on academic operations for the campus. Given the deeply tragic events that took place on our campus yesterday, all remaining undergraduate, graduate and medical classes, exams, and papers or projects for the Fall 2025 semester will not take place as scheduled. This choice was made out of our profound concern for all students, faculty and staff on our campus. In the immediate aftermath of these devastating events, we recognize that learning and assessment are significantly hindered in the short term and that many students and others will wish to depart campus. Students are free to leave if they are able. Students who remain will have access to on-campus services and support.

At this time, it is essential that we focus our efforts on providing care and support to the members of our community as we grapple with the sorrow, fear and anxiety that is impacting all of us right now. University leaders are committed to providing care and mobilizing resources to assist our community members through this difficult time.

We know there will be many academic concerns about the implications of not holding classes and exams as scheduled. We will follow up with more information in the coming days. For the moment, we encourage everyone to focus on their own safety and well-being. We will continue to share updates with emergency information on Brown.edu, and to work directly with students and other community members to provide services and support.

Sincerely,
Francis J. Doyle III
Provost