Attention Members of the Brown Community:

The Brown University Public Safety & Emergency Management is investigating an incident that was reported to have occurred on December 12, 2025, at approximately 10:16 AM, on Hope Street in the area of Power Street. 

In this incident, a Brown University community member reported being approached by a male who identified themselves as a Federal agent, displayed a firearm, and used handcuffs to detain the reporting party. Following the short interaction, the reporting party was allowed to leave the location without further incident. The community member was not physically injured during this incident. At this time, we have not been able to verify with various federal partners that this was an actual federal law enforcement officer; therefore, we are issuing this timely warning

The individual who identified themselves as a Federal agent is described as a middle-aged male, approximately 5’10”, bearded, with reddish/brown hair. The individual was further described as wearing a hat, blue jeans, and a black shirt, driving a grey pickup truck.

The Providence Police Department is aware of this incident, and Brown Public Safety is cooperating with the Providence Police to investigate this incident. The appropriate campus services were offered to the community member.

We ask that anyone who may have been in the area or has additional information about this incident contact the Providence Police Department at 401-272-3121 or the Brown University Public Safety & Emergency Management at 401-863-3322.

The Brown University Public Safety encourages the University Community to take the following steps to keep themselves and others safe:

• Report suspicious behavior, even when you are not directly threatened.
• If you feel unsafe in any situation, trust your instincts and call Brown Public Safety at 401-863-3322 or the Providence Police at 401-272-3121.

Please review the Brown Public Safety web page for additional safety awareness information and resources.