Teaching assistant at Brown University has described the terrifying moment a suspected gunman entered their classroom, briefly locking eyes as students panicked in fear. Their account provides a rare, personal glimpse into what unfolded during this shooting incident that caused a campus lockdown and renewed debate about safety at US universities.
Speaking to media after the incident, he described how class was underway when suddenly, the door suddenly opened. At first he thought someone had come late but when he saw his face and the way in which they held their weapon “I immediately recognized something was very wrong”.
“We locked eyes,” recalls the assistant, recalling their encounter. “I remember thinking about protecting students behind me. Time seemed to stop.”
According to university officials and police, the suspect entered at least one academic building before fleeing from the area. Authorities have not disclosed further information regarding his movements citing ongoing investigations; however, shots were fired on campus prompting emergency alerts and shelter-in-place orders.
Students in the classroom described fear and confusion when their teaching assistant urged them to remain quiet and follow emergency procedures. Some hid under desks while others barricaded doors with furniture – although all were terrified, there was also an instinctual need to help each other, according to their assistant: no one screamed; people simply listened.
Law enforcement officials were quickly on scene to secure buildings and transport students away. A suspect was eventually detained according to police reports; however, they have yet to identify him/her or disclose their motive for acting this way at the university.
Brown University administrators lauded staff and students’ prompt response as vital in preventing further harm to both themselves and to others in their community. “We are deeply appreciative for their courage and composure,” according to a university spokesperson, with counseling services and academic accommodations made available for those directly impacted.
The incident has revived concerns over campus gun violence across the U.S. Though shootings at universities remain relatively rare, recent events have generated anxiety among students, parents, faculty, and administrators. Experts agree that drills and emergency communication systems can save lives but also highlight their emotional toll.
Teaching assistant, however, found the experience particularly trying. “I keep going over it in my head – the eye contact, fear and responsibility- it’s something I won’t ever forget.”
Students present at the time echoed this sentiment, noting both fear and gratitude in relation to Mr. DeMarinis’ actions: one student noted, “He remained calm when everything felt out of control and this made a huge difference”.
As investigators continue their work, university officials stress the importance of safety and healing as priority goals for campus life. Vigils have been held to support victims while uniting communities.
For those who lived through it, recalling locking eyes with a shooter is a vivid reminder of just how quickly academic life can transform into a potentially lethal situation — and how showing courage even in silence can help others survive.