Full Breakdown
Ongoing Manhunt for Brown University Shooter
12/19/2025, 8:00:55 AM
Overview of the Incident
On December 13, 2025, a mass shooting occurred at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, resulting in the deaths of two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, and injuring nine others. The shooting took place around 4:03 PM inside the Barus and Holley engineering building during final exams. The gunman opened fire with a 9mm handgun, discharging over 40 rounds before fleeing the scene.
Search for the Shooter
As the investigation enters its sixth day, law enforcement officials, including the Providence Police Department and the FBI, are actively searching for a person of interest described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a stocky build. This individual was seen in the vicinity of the university hours before the shooting, reportedly "casing" the area. Enhanced video footage shows the person wearing a face mask and dark clothing, walking near Hope and Benevolent streets around 2 PM on the day of the incident.
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez emphasized the importance of identifying this person, stating, "We believe that he was actually casing out this area to commit this crime." Authorities have released a map indicating the confirmed movements of the person of interest before and after the shooting, urging residents to check their security cameras for any relevant footage.
Official Statements & Responses
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha has stated that investigators are being cautious about what information is shared publicly to avoid influencing witness testimonies. He affirmed, "He will be caught; it’s just a matter of time before we catch him." The FBI has also offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the shooter.
In response to the shooting, Brown University has increased security measures on campus and canceled all remaining classes and exams for the semester. University President Christina Paxson expressed her sorrow over the incident, stating, "Our hearts continue to be with them in their profound sorrow."
Criticism & Opposition
The incident has raised questions about campus security, particularly regarding the lack of surveillance cameras in the older sections of the Barus and Holley building. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have pointed out the inadequacy of security measures, questioning why the university did not have more cameras in place. A university spokesperson clarified that while there are over 1,200 cameras on campus, they do not cover every area, especially in older buildings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the investigation has yielded numerous leads, the identity of the shooter remains unknown. A person initially detained as a person of interest was released after authorities determined there was insufficient evidence to hold him. This has led to increased anxiety within the community, as officials continue to search for the actual shooter.
What's Next
Law enforcement is continuing to canvass the area for additional evidence and is appealing to the public for any tips or information that could assist in the investigation. The search for the shooter remains a top priority, with police urging anyone with information to contact them directly.
As the investigation unfolds, the Brown University community is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, mourning the loss of two students and supporting those affected by the violence.
