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'Please do not believe Trump': Students in 'chaos' as president spreads false shooter info

Donald Trump (Reuters)
David McAfee
December 13, 2025

Donald Trump on Saturday was forced to issue a correction for his own public statement after the president falsely reported information about an active shooter, but the damage may have already been done, according to numerous observers.

An active shooter was reported this weekend at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, and news outlets suggested there are multiple victims. CNN also reported the news, publishing an article called, "No suspect in custody after reports of a shooting at Brown University, officials say."

CNN and MS NOW both reported that no suspect was in custody, despite there being an initial report of an arrest, but Trump posted outdated information on his Truth Social account suggesting there was someone in custody.

Many people warned about Trump causing risks to students on scene, including some students themselves.

PatriotTakes, which purports to track right-wing extremism, said, "At 5:44, Trump posted that the Brown University shooting suspect was in custody 8 minutes later at 5:52, Brown University said the 'situation remains ongoing. Continue to shelter in place.'"

The account added, "Careless misinformation like this during a school shooting can get people killed."

"Schools will now have to update their procedures to tell students to ignore Trump’s posts during school shootings," they wrote. "Hopefully no one was harmed due to Trump’s sharing of false information."

A user on X, Danny, said, "I am at brown university they have not confirmed a shooter in custody please do not believe trump and stay inside."

MeidasTouch wrote, "Trump is causing mass confusion right now amid an active shooter situation at Brown University."

"Trump posted that the suspect was in custody, but Brown University and media reports say that is not true and that the situation remains active," the account added.

Young Dem influencer Harry Sisson said, "Trump at 5:44 pm tonight 'I have been briefed on the shooting that took place at Brown University… the suspect is in custody'Trump at 6:03 pm tonight 'The suspect is NOT in custody.' Why is he posting misinformation about this tragedy?"

"People could get killed because of it," Sisson added.

Self-described "policy wonk" Maine said, "Trump contradicting Brown University and Providence PD: Suspect in Custody. Absolute Chaos."

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