Two people were killed and eight others were seriously injured in a shooting at the campus of Brown University, a US Ivy League school, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley has confirmed.

The attack occurred during an exam at the university on Saturday (December 13) local time.

Rhode Island officials said the suspected attacker is still at large. He is described as a man wearing black clothing who left the scene on foot. They also said no weapons have been recovered so far.

At a news conference, Mayor Smiley said the university authorities became aware of the attack after a 911 call was received by emergency responders at 4:05 p.m. local time.

He said, “I can confirm that two people were killed this afternoon and eight others are in critical but stable condition at Rhode Island Hospital.”

He added that this is the only casualty count we have at this time. However, it is important to remember that this number is subject to change. We are still in the early stages.

Mayor Smiley declined to release the names of those killed or injured, citing the ongoing investigation.

“This is a day we never wished for our community. It is deeply heartbreaking for all of us,” university President Christina Paxton said in a written statement.

She urged campus residents to remain vigilant and follow lockdown guidelines. She said that means keeping all doors closed and no movement on campus.