Brown University Students and Staff Recall Deadly Shooting, Say Victims ‘Were Lying There and They Were Not Moving’

Brown University Community Reflects on Fatal Shooting Incident

The Brown University community has been left shaken by the tragic events of December 13, which saw at least two people lose their lives and nine others sustain injuries in a deadly shooting incident. As students and staff come to terms with the harrowing experience, accounts from eyewitnesses shed light on the chaos and fear that gripped the campus on that fateful day.

Joseph Oduro, a 21-year-old senior student and teaching assistant, was conducting an economics study session with around 60 students when terror struck. Recalling the ordeal to The New York Times, Oduro described how the tranquillity of the lesson was shattered by the sound of gunshots and cries of panic echoing through the hallway. A masked assailant wielding a rifle had barged into the classroom, sending shockwaves of fear through the occupants.

In the midst of the chaos, Oduro and his classmates sought refuge behind desks, with some unfortunate souls sustaining injuries as they tried to evade the attacker. The sheer horror of the situation was palpable, with Oduro noting that many students lay motionless on the floor, a testament to the devastation wrought by the shooter. The immediate aftermath of the incident saw emergency responders rushing to the scene, their efforts undoubtedly crucial in saving lives.

Another student, who opted to remain anonymous, shared their own terrifying experience during the shooting. Working in a lab at the time, the student recounted the chilling moment they received a notification about the nearby violence. In a bid to safeguard themselves, they and their peers huddled under desks in the darkness, waiting anxiously for updates as the situation unfolded. The relief of eventual evacuation was tinged with lingering shock and disbelief at the grim turn of events.

For graduate student Jack DiPrimio, the echoes of past lockdown drills did little to prepare him for the grim reality of an active shooter situation unfolding nearby. His swift actions to seek shelter and evade harm underscored the urgency and fear that gripped the campus during those hours of uncertainty. The emotional toll of such a harrowing experience was evident in DiPrimio’s words, as he spoke of the profound sadness that now clouded the end of the semester.

Brown University swiftly moved to secure the campus, issuing alerts and instructions to ensure the safety of all those on the premises. The presence of law enforcement and swift responses undoubtedly played a crucial role in containing the threat and providing support to those in need. As details of the incident continue to emerge, the resilience and unity of the university community stand as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

Facing the aftermath of such a tragedy, students and staff at Brown University now navigate a path of healing and recovery. The scars left by the traumatic events of December 13 will undoubtedly linger, shaping a sombre chapter in the university’s history. Yet, amidst the grief and uncertainty, stories of courage and resilience emerge, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Brown University community in the face of darkness.