Full Breakdown
USC Coach Lindsay Gottlieb Responds to Brown University Shooting
12/15/2025, 4:26:10 AM
Tragic Incident at Brown University
On December 13, 2025, a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. The incident occurred during final exams in an engineering building, where a gunman opened fire shortly before 4:05 p.m. Students and faculty were placed on lockdown as law enforcement searched for the shooter. A person of interest in their 20s has since been taken into custody, although no charges have been filed as authorities continue to gather evidence.
Lindsay Gottlieb's Emotional Response
Following her team's 79-51 loss to the top-ranked UConn Huskies, USC women's basketball head coach Lindsay Gottlieb addressed the shooting during her postgame news conference. Gottlieb, a Brown alumna who played for the university from 1995 to 1999, received news of the shooting through a group chat with former teammates. "It doesn’t need to be this way," she stated, visibly shaken. She expressed concern for parents and students at Brown, noting that one of her former teammates had a daughter who was sheltering in the library during the attack.
Official Statements & Institutional Responses
In the wake of the shooting, Brown University canceled all remaining classes and exams for the fall semester. University President Christina Paxson described the past 24 hours as "unimaginable," emphasizing that such tragedies are not something any university community is prepared for. Gottlieb echoed this sentiment, stating, "Hopefully, everyone is safe and praying for peace for those that have lost people. And that's that, it's more important than basketball. We can all be better."
Criticism & Opposition
Gottlieb's remarks included a pointed critique of gun violence in the United States. She stated, "We’re the only country that lives this way," highlighting the pervasive issue of gun-related incidents in the nation. This perspective aligns with broader calls for gun reform, which have gained traction following numerous mass shootings across the country.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It doesn’t need to be this way.” — Lindsay Gottlieb, USC Women's Basketball Coach
- “Parents should not have to be worried about their kids.” — Lindsay Gottlieb, USC Women's Basketball Coach
- “The past 24 hours really have been unimaginable,” — Christina Paxson, President of Brown University
- “Hopefully, everyone is safe and praying for peace for those that have lost people. And that's that, it's more important than basketball. We can all be better.” — Lindsay Gottlieb, USC Women's Basketball Coach
What's Next
As the investigation into the shooting continues, Brown University will focus on supporting its community during this difficult time. The university's administration is expected to implement measures to enhance campus safety and address the emotional needs of students and faculty affected by the tragedy. Meanwhile, Gottlieb's USC Trojans are scheduled to play Cal Poly on December 17, 2025, as they seek to regroup following their recent loss.
