What began as a routine Saturday on a quiet Ivy League campus quickly turned into a nightmare.
Police in Providence, Rhode Island, are continuing an intense manhunt after a mass shooting erupted inside an academic building at Brown University, leaving two people dead and nine others wounded. The gunfire broke out during a final exam review session, sending students scrambling for cover as chaos unfolded inside the classroom.
Authorities say the suspect entered the building around 4:00 p.m. local time, shouted something witnesses could not fully recall, and opened fire. Students ducked under seats, fled hallways, and hid in nearby buildings as police rushed the scene. Emergency responders flooded the campus, and all remaining in-person exams were immediately canceled.
Two victims were later identified as university students, while several others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Investigators initially detained a person of interest, but later released him after determining the evidence pointed in a different direction. As of Sunday night, officials said there was no immediate threat to the campus, though the search for the suspect remains active.
One student described the moments after hearing gunshots as “pure panic,” while another said she felt numb once she realized the danger had passed. Brown University confirmed that families of the victims are receiving support and that counseling services have been made available to students and staff.
As the national spotlight focused on the tragedy, the ripple effects quietly reached the San Francisco 49ers locker room.
Late Sunday, the team confirmed that one of its defensive players would be stepping away from football this week for deeply personal reasons. His younger brother, a current student at Brown University, was among those injured in the shooting and remains hospitalized.
49ers cornerbackDarrell Luter Jr. has been granted time away from the team and will not play in Sunday night’s game against the Tennessee Titans, choosing instead to remain with his family during what they have described as an overwhelming and emotional period.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation with empathy, making it clear football takes a back seat in moments like this.
“Our thoughts are with Darrell and his family,” Shanahan said. “When something like this happens, nothing matters more than being there for the people you love. We fully support him taking all the time he needs. That’s family first. Football will always be here.”
Several teammates were visibly shaken by the news, with players privately reaching out to offer their support. Inside the locker room, the focus shifted from game plans to perspective — a reminder that the sport exists alongside real-life pain and uncertainty.
While the 49ers prepare for kickoff without one of their defensive backs, the priority remains clear. The organization, players, and fans alike are rallying around their teammate as his family navigates an unimaginable situation.
For now, wins and losses fade into the background. What matters most is recovery, healing, and standing together when it counts most.
