Providence officials are intensifying their search for the gunman responsible for the tragic shooting at Brown University that resulted in the deaths of two students and injured nine others. As the investigation unfolds, police have released new footage of a person of interest captured shortly before the attack. A reward of up to $50,000 has been offered by the FBI for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Overview of the Incident |
| 2) The Search for the Suspect |
| 3) Victims and Community Response |
| 4) Law Enforcement Efforts and Updates |
| 5) The Impact on Brown University |
Overview of the Incident
The shooting at Brown University occurred on Saturday, December 13, 2025, sending shockwaves through the academic community. The gunman opened fire inside a classroom in the university’s engineering building, discharging more than 40 rounds from a 9 mm handgun. Tragically, two students were killed: Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an Uzbek American student. Nine others sustained injuries ranging from serious to critical.
The attack has been described as a senseless act of violence at one of the nation’s most esteemed educational institutions. A shelter-in-place order was immediately instituted at Brown University, but was lifted by Sunday morning as authorities began their investigation.
The Search for the Suspect
Providence Police have launched an extensive search for the individual responsible for the attack. On Monday, Police Chief Oscar Perez released new video footage showing an individual dressed in black and wearing a face mask near Hope and Benevolent streets around 2 p.m. on the day of the shooting, approximately two hours before the first 911 call was made.
The FBI has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for any tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter. Officials have urged community members to review any potential video footage that may assist in identifying the suspect. The announcement has mobilized both local and national efforts to catch the perpetrator.
Victims and Community Response
In the aftermath of the shooting, the resilience of the victims has been a focal point of local discussions. Officials have revealed that six of the injured individuals remain in critical but stable condition, while several others continue to receive treatment at Rhode Island Hospital. There has been an overwhelming outpouring of support from the community, with many expressing their condolences and solidarity with the victims’ families.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has been vocal about the community’s anxieties, stating, “Just like all of us, we want to see the individual who pulled the trigger on these young kids identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.” Local leaders have been coordinating efforts to ensure mental health resources are available for students as they cope with this tragedy.
Law Enforcement Efforts and Updates
On the eve of the shooting, police detained an unnamed 24-year-old man at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, about 20 miles from the university. This person was initially considered a person of interest; however, they were subsequently released as the evidence did not support the initial suspicions. This turn of events left authorities without leads, prompting a re-evaluation of their investigation strategies.
After the individual’s release, Attorney General Peter Neronha emphasized the urgency of identifying the shooter. “We have a murderer out there,” he said, reinforcing the seriousness of the ongoing search. Chief Perez elaborated on the complexities of investigations, remarking that leads can evolve as new evidence emerges, a common occurrence in criminal inquiries.
The Impact on Brown University
The shooting has profoundly affected the campus community at Brown University, which boasts approximately 7,300 undergraduates and more than 3,000 graduate students. In response to the tragedy, the university has canceled the remaining classes and exams for the semester. Officials are focusing on providing counseling and support services to students during this difficult time.
Moreover, university administration is reviewing safety protocols to prevent future incidents. The historic institution, founded in 1764, has never faced violence of this magnitude. The campus atmosphere has shifted, necessitating new discussions around safety measures in educational settings.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Two students died and nine others were injured in a shooting at Brown University. |
| 2 | Providence Police have released new video footage of a person of interest in the investigation. |
| 3 | The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest. |
| 4 | Initial person of interest detained was released after evidence did not support ongoing suspicion. |
| 5 | Brown University has canceled classes and increased support services for students in the wake of the tragedy. |
Summary
The tragic shooting at Brown University has left the community reeling, prompting immediate investigative efforts. As police and the FBI ramp up their search for the identified gunman, support for the victims and their families continues to be paramount. Educational institutions across the nation are urged to reflect on the implications of this event and to enhance safety measures to protect students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What prompted the shooting at Brown University?
The motives behind the shooting are still under investigation, but it has been categorized as a senseless act of violence that resulted in devastating consequences for the campus community.
Question: How can the public assist in the investigation?
Authorities have requested that anyone with information, particularly any video footage related to the shooting, contact the Providence Police Department or the FBI tip line, emphasizing the importance of community support in solving this case.
Question: What measures are being taken to support the victims and their families?
In addition to providing medical assistance to the injured, local authorities and Brown University are offering mental health resources and counseling services to help those impacted cope with the tragic events.
