A tragic shooting at Brown University has left a visiting professor from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology dead, sending shockwaves through the academic community. The incident occurred on the prestigious Ivy League campus in Providence, Rhode Island, on Thursday, 18 December 2025.
Details of the Campus Attack
Providence Police Department confirmed they responded to reports of a shooting on the Brown University campus shortly after 2:00 PM local time. The victim was identified as Jovan Jovanovic, a 45-year-old professor from MIT. Authorities stated he was found deceased at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound.
Law enforcement officials swiftly secured the area. A suspect, described as a male, was taken into custody near the scene without further incident. Police have not released the suspect's identity but confirmed he is not a current student at Brown University. The weapon believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered by officers.
Investigating the Motive
The central focus of the ongoing investigation is to establish a clear motive for the attack. Providence Police Commissioner, Oscar Perez, addressed the media, stating that the early stages of the probe suggest the shooting was not a random act of violence. He indicated that the suspect and the victim may have known each other, though the precise nature of their relationship remains under scrutiny.
Commissioner Perez emphasised that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community. "We believe this was an isolated incident targeted at the victim," he said. The investigation is exploring all angles, including any potential professional or personal connections between the two individuals.
Community Reaction and Aftermath
The shooting has profoundly impacted both the Brown and MIT academic communities. Brown University President, Christina Paxson, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to Professor Jovanovic's family, friends, and colleagues. University counselling services have been made available to students and staff.
MIT also released a tribute, honouring Jovanovic as a brilliant and dedicated member of their faculty. Colleagues described him as a respected figure in his field. The incident has reignited discussions about safety on university campuses across the United States, a nation grappling with frequent gun violence.
As the police investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of an esteemed academic. The case highlights the persistent and complex challenge of gun crime, even within the confines of revered educational institutions.
