‘I’m disappointed in our country’: Brown University student reacts to campus shooting
MSNBC·2025-12-14 18:38

Event Summary - A shooting occurred near Barus and Holley at Brown University, leading to a campus lockdown [6] - Initial reports and rumors circulated quickly, with unconfirmed reports of fatalities emerging within minutes of the initial alert [17][18] - Students experienced fear and uncertainty, seeking shelter and relying on cell phones for communication and updates [7][11] - The lockdown lasted approximately 5 hours before authorities began evacuating buildings [1][7][22] Community Response - The Brown University community, including students, faculty, and staff, were devastated by the event [3] - Small business owners and community members opened their doors to provide safe shelter for students [2] - First responders, including EMS and police officers, provided support and assistance [3] - The president of Brown University consulted with students following the incident [3] Individual Experience - A Brown University graduate student, Jack Deprimo, spent 5 hours barricaded in a bathroom during the lockdown [1][7] - Deprimo relied on prior lockdown drill experience to remain calm and take necessary precautions [13][16] - Communication with loved ones was primarily through texting to avoid making noise [13] - Upon exiting the hiding place, Deprimo sought assistance from the Department of Public Safety to recharge his phone and return to his apartment [22][23] Societal Impact - The incident has left the student feeling shocked and disappointed in the country's response to gun violence [25] - The student expressed frustration that meaningful changes to gun laws have not been implemented despite repeated tragedies [24]