Brown University shooting: Students describe a chaotic digital record

Students used a campus messaging app to share reports as shots were reported; Brown sent an alert at 4:21 p.m., and officials said two students were killed.

Students turned to a campus messaging app to exchange reports, questions and reassurance as shots were reported at Brown University. The university sent an alert at 4:21 p.m., minutes after public safety officials were notified. Officials later said the shooter was no longer on campus by the time the alert went out, and two students were killed. In the hours after the shooting, law enforcement worked to secure campus buildings and students continued to post and seek information. Key details: - Shots were reported on campus and Brown issued an alert at 4:21 p.m.; a university spokesperson said the message reached about 20,000 people. - Officials reported the shooter was no longer on campus by the time the alert was sent. - Two students were killed, and law enforcement moved through campus to secure buildings. - Students relied heavily on Sidechat to share immediate reports and verify information, while misinformation and delays in official updates were widely noted. Summary: The shooting prompted hours of sheltering and widespread, immediate use of digital platforms as students sought information and comfort. Brown has commissioned two external reviews of the response to examine public safety and security measures; additional procedural steps were not detailed in the article.