Ghanaian Teaching Assistant Escapes Death in Brown University Shooting

Joseph Oduro narrowly escaped death during a mass shooting at Brown University on Saturday, raising fresh concerns about campus safety.

The Ghanaian teaching assistant was leading a study group when the gunman entered the lecture hall.

The attack occurred on December 12, 2025. Two students were killed, and several others were injured.

Oduro said he first heard screams and loud commotion outside the classroom door. He did not immediately associate the sounds with danger.

He explained that Brown University’s Ivy League status created an initial sense of safety.

Seconds later, a gunman walked into the lecture hall from the left side. Panic spread instantly among the students.

Oduro said he could not clearly hear what the gunman said as he entered. He recalled seeing fear in every student’s eyes.

Students ran, jumped, and crawled in desperate attempts to escape. Some rushed down the stairs and out of the room.

Oduro said the gunman saw him immediately because he was standing at the front. He recalled making eye contact and realising his life was at risk.

The size of the gun convinced him that death was imminent. He believed that Saturday might be his final day. Oduro managed to hide behind a desk as shots were fired. Police later arrived and secured the area.

Some students in the room were not as fortunate. A female student near Oduro was hit by two bullets.

In a separate interview, Oduro said several bullets narrowly missed him. He described his survival as miraculous given the circumstances.

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The incident has reignited debates about safety at US university campuses. Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, as authorities review security protocols.