Authorities in Providence, Rhode Island, have intensified their search for the gunman responsible for a tragic shooting at Brown University that left two students dead and seven others injured. The manhunt was reignited following the release of a man who was previously detained as a “person of interest” over the weekend. This development has heightened concerns in the community, although officials have assured residents that there are no credible threats to their safety.
Investigation and Community Response
The investigation has prompted local police to canvass neighborhoods, seeking video footage from home surveillance cameras that might provide clues about the shooter. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez emphasized the importance of maintaining a visible police presence to reassure residents. During a press briefing, he presented three short video clips showing a suspect—a stocky man dressed in dark clothing with a hat and face mask—walking through the College Hill neighborhood about two hours before the shooting.
Chief Perez highlighted that the suspect was seen pacing along a white picket fence, crossing a street corner, and walking past a gated home. Despite the obscured identity due to the mask, authorities are hopeful that the footage will aid in identifying the shooter. Peter Neronha, the state attorney-general, stated, “The sooner we can identify this person, the sooner we can blow this case open.”
In an effort to encourage tips, the FBI has announced a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect, who is believed to be armed and dangerous. Ted Docks, an FBI special agent in charge, emphasized the urgency of the situation given the nature of the crime.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred on March 1, 2025, within the Barus & Holley engineering and physics building at Brown, where the outer doors were unlocked during ongoing exams. The assailant used a 9mm gun to open fire, prompting students to barricade themselves in classrooms or hide under furniture for hours until police secured the area.
After initially detaining a man in his 20s who was believed to be involved, authorities later confirmed that he was not connected to the shooting and released him. Neronha noted that the investigation had “gone in a different direction,” indicating a shift in focus for law enforcement.
The victims of this tragic event were identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Mountain Brook, Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a Virginian originally from Uzbekistan. Following the incident, Brown University announced the cancellation of exams and classes for the remainder of the academic year.
The atmosphere in Providence remains tense, with many residents choosing to stay indoors. The police continue to patrol the area, with helicopters overhead as they search for any leads. As the investigation progresses, the community is on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to this distressing situation.
