Joseph Oduro, a 21-year-old teaching assistant at Brown University, provided a detailed account of the chaotic scene inside the lecture hall where a gunman opened fire on December 13, 2025, killing two students and injuring nine others. Oduro was leading a final exam review session for Principles of Economics when the assailant burst into the room, an experience he described in interviews as locking eyes with the intruder before diving for cover.

The incident occurred in Room 166 of the Barus and Holley building, a seven-story facility housing the School of Engineering and physics department. The auditorium-style classroom, with a capacity of 186, had about 50 to 60 students present for the optional review ahead of Tuesday’s exam. Oduro, studying applied mathematics, economics, and computer science, was wrapping up the session and expressing gratitude to his students when events unfolded rapidly.

Oduro recalled hearing a commotion outside the door, followed by the rear entrance opening. “About three seconds later, a man with a face mask and a rifle entered the classroom,” he told reporters. The assailant shouted something indecipherable before beginning to fire. Oduro made direct eye contact with the masked figure, a moment that heightened the immediacy of the threat.

Students reacted instinctively, rushing toward the front of the downward-sloping room and seeking cover near the instructor’s area. Oduro hid behind a desk with approximately 20 others, including one student who had been struck in the leg. The group remained silent as shots echoed, with Oduro later noting efforts to piece together the gunman’s words alongside detectives and witnesses.

The attacker fired more than 40 rounds from a 9mm handgun before fleeing through a side exit. Surveillance footage later released by authorities showed a person in dark clothing walking calmly down Hope Street away from campus. No signs of forced entry were reported, and the building’s doors were unlocked due to ongoing exam activities.

First-year student Spencer Yang, among the injured, described aiding a fellow victim while hiding, offering water to someone struggling to respond. Yang recalled limited memory of the shooter, who entered from the rear as panic spread.

University President Christina Paxson confirmed all victims were students, with conditions ranging from stable to critical at Rhode Island Hospital. The semester’s remaining classes, exams, and projects were canceled, allowing students to depart early if desired while providing support for those staying.

The manhunt intensified over the weekend, with a brief detention of a person of interest in Coventry leading to a release late Sunday as evidence shifted directions. Providence police, supported by FBI teams, continued canvassing for footage and tips, emphasizing no ongoing immediate threat.

Oduro’s composure during the ordeal drew praise, with Mayor Brett Smiley noting the resilience of survivors during hospital visits. The teaching assistant’s account has become central to understanding the sequence inside the room, highlighting the sudden shift from routine academic preparation to survival.

Campus security protocols faced scrutiny, with Brown’s open layout contributing to accessibility concerns. Petitions for measures like mandatory ID access gained traction among students.

Vigils formed swiftly, with candles and flowers at memorials near the building. Interfaith gatherings and counseling services supported the community amid shock.

The attack disrupted finals week, amplifying emotional strain. Some students, including survivors of prior incidents elsewhere, expressed compounded trauma.

Investigators focused on motive and planning, executing warrants and analyzing digital leads. The assailant’s deliberate entry and exit suggested preparation, though details remained limited.

Oduro cooperated fully with authorities, contributing to efforts reconstructing the shouted phrase. His interviews underscored the human element amid procedural updates.

Broader conversations on campus safety echoed national patterns, with administrators committing to reviews while prioritizing healing.

As the investigation progressed into its third day on December 15, patrols remained visible, balancing vigilance with reassurance.

Support funds and resources expanded, aiding affected families and witnesses.

The classroom, typically a space for learning, now symbolized abrupt loss and resilience.

Oduro’s gratitude to students, expressed moments before the intrusion, took on poignant meaning in retrospect.

Community leaders urged reliance on verified information, countering speculation.

Providence’s East Side, home to the university, adjusted routines amid closures.

Healing initiatives included virtual forums and extended breaks.

The event’s timing, during a review session, underscored vulnerability in everyday settings.

Authorities pledged thoroughness, coordinating multi-agency resources.

Public tips proved crucial, with dedicated lines active.

Brown’s response centered wellbeing, adapting academic policies flexibly.

Survivor narratives, like Oduro’s and Yang’s, humanized the statistics.

Campus landmarks hosted quiet reflections.

Digital memorials shared globally.

Investigation advanced with forensic precision.

No connections publicly tied to the university.

Recovery emphasized collective strength.

Oduro’s eye contact moment lingered as a vivid anchor.

Students navigated departures or stays with guidance.

Leadership communicated regularly.

The probe’s direction realigned efficiently post-release.

Community bonds fortified through shared experience.

Brown prepared transitional support into spring.

Ongoing efforts aimed at prevention insights.

The lecture hall’s layout influenced escape dynamics.

Witness recollections aligned on key details.

Authorities appreciated cooperation.

Holiday proximity tempered seasonal plans.

Support extended regionally.

Leaders balanced updates with sensitivity.

The incident joined somber campus histories.

Resilience narratives emerged prominently.

Oduro represented calm amid storm.

Healing pathways diversified.

Public solidarity reinforced.

Investigation persisted diligently.