On December 14, 2025, Brown University experienced a shocking incident when reports of an active shooter emerged on campus. This marked a troubling first for Rhode Island, as such a mass shooting had not occurred in the state before.
Background of the Incident
Hilary Levey Friedman, a Special Assistant Attorney General in Rhode Island, was out of town during the crisis. She has a deep connection to Brown University, having previously taught in its education department, and her husband currently teaches there as well.
Immediate Reactions
Upon learning of the shooting, Friedman quickly returned to Providence. She expressed her concerns about gun control, acknowledging that despite Rhode Island’s legislation, the threat of mass shootings remained a harrowing reality.
- Location: Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
- Date: December 14, 2025
Staying Safe
Due to a shelter-in-place order in the area, Friedman and her family had to book a hotel approximately 20 minutes from the campus. They intentionally chose a location away from the unfolding tragedy.
To her shock, Friedman discovered that a person of interest in the shooting was detained at the same hotel where her family was staying. The scene outside was filled with FBI agents and journalists, escalating the tension.
Community Impact
Following the incident, Friedman returned home, but the ramifications of the shooting have been profound. She noted that this violent act has disrupted the local community significantly.
- Friedman formerly taught in the building where the shooting took place.
- She described the event as a “community trauma” that would leave lasting scars.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, Friedman emphasized the long road to recovery ahead. The December 14 shooting at Brown University serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive challenge of gun violence in society.
