Dear Brown Students, Faculty and Staff,

We know that given the tragic events of recent days, this remains a tremendously challenging time for our community. We are proceeding carefully and deliberately and will continue to share important updates and information as they become available.

We are writing to the full community today to ensure we have reached everyone who needs assistance, particularly in regard to accessing support services and/or physical belongings in campus buildings. Earlier today, we shared similar information with students who live in Minden Hall and with students who reported items left behind in the localized crime scene area (Barus & Holley, Engineering Research Center, Prince Lab). If you have already received this information, there is nothing new to share at this time.

MINDEN HALL
This residence hall reopened to residents at 12 noon today. The Providence Police Department (PPD) was on site to provide additional security and to speak with any students who wished to share information. Minden residents currently staying at a local hotel should contact the Administrator on Call (AOC) for more information. 

BARUS & HOLLEY AND AFFILIATED BUILDINGS 
A collaborative team from Brown, the PPD and the FBI has established a dedicated space in Alumnae Hall to facilitate the return of urgent items to students, faculty and staff who left belongings in Barus & Holley and other nearby buildings. For those who wish to share information, the Providence Police will be available. Support services from Brown, the American Red Cross and others will be available in private spaces. Additional details are below.

Access to Identification Documents and Medication: At this time, Barus & Holley remains closed, and — per instructions from the law enforcement agencies leading the investigation — most personal belongings will remain there as the investigation continues, including phones, technology, wallets, backpacks, purses and keys. Only identification documents are being released at this time, including driver’s licenses, passports, international identification and prescription medication. As those agencies enable us to reunify community members with additional belongings, we will share more information.

Information Sharing: As noted, the Providence Police Department will be on site at these buildings. As previously shared, they are requesting information from any community members who were present at Barus & Holley on Friday, December 12, or Saturday, December 13, 2025. In addition to submitting information via ppdtips@providenceri.gov, faculty, staff and students may access private spaces at Alumnae Hall to share information with PPD in support of the ongoing investigation. It is vitally important to contribute information as part of a shared effort across our community to support the investigation and efforts to ensure our safety. As a community, we are participating fully with law enforcement to bring greater safety to our campus.

Support Services: A number of support professionals will be available to assist students, faculty and staff as needed. The American Red Cross will be on site to provide emotional support, travel assistance and financial assistance for those who qualify. Counseling resources, crisis intervention and spiritual care providers will be available. FBI victim specialists will also be present to provide crisis intervention and guidance.

Alumnae Hall Location, Hours and What to Expect:

• Location: Alumnae Hall (194 Meeting Street; enter the building via Pembroke Green, at the door directly across from Smith-Buonanno Hall “Smith-B.”)
• Hours: Thursday, December 18, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Security: This is a secure location dedicated to the privacy and safety of our students, faculty, staff and families.
• What to Expect: Upon arrival, you will be met by a Brown University staff member who will guide you to the specific area or areas you need. If you are seeking to retrieve items, you will share information, and your items will be brought to you. Our goal is to ensure this process is as smooth and supportive as possible. Spanish and Mandarin interpreters will be available.

We also want to reassure you that members of our Brown team have continued to provide assistance to our injured students so they are able to access the same support services, even as six members of our community remain hospitalized. We remain committed to our community’s well-being and are here to support you, whether you are on or off campus. For additional information, please contact campus_life@brown.edu.

Sincerely,

Patricia Poitevien, MD, MSc, FAAP
Vice President for Campus Life

Tejal Desai
Sorensen Family Dean of Engineering, Professor of Engineering