Authorities are urging the public to assist in the search for a gunman who opened fire inside a Brown University classroom on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The investigation is facing scrutiny due to a lack of immediate breakthroughs in identifying the perpetrator.
What Happened at Brown University?
The shooting occurred shortly after 4 p.m. EST inside a first-floor classroom at the Barus & Holley building, home to Brown’s engineering and physics departments. Students were on campus preparing for final exams and the upcoming winter break. A 9 mm handgun was used in the shooting, according to Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez.
Two undergraduate students were killed in the attack: MuhammadAziz Umurzakov, a first-year student from Virginia, and Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama. School officials have not released the names of the injured students.
The Search for the Suspect
Police discovered that the suspect was observed in the College Hill neighborhood around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, believed to be surveying the area prior to the shooting. “We have video footage of that and we believe that he was actually casing out this area to commit the crime,” Perez stated.
The Providence Police Department released an enhanced image of a person of interest on Tuesday. The FBI described the individual as a male approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a stocky build, wearing dark clothing, a dark surgical-style mask, and a hat. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification, arrest, and conviction.
A previous “person of interest” – a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin – was detained and later released on Sunday after authorities determined there was no basis to hold him.
Community Response and Ongoing Concerns
The shooting has deeply impacted the Brown University campus, surrounding neighborhoods, and the city of Providence. Mayor Brett Smiley stated, “It is going to be hard for my city to feel safe going forward. This has shaken us.” Increased police presence has been deployed throughout the city to reassure residents.
Brown University has canceled all remaining classes, exams, papers, and projects for the semester. Providence Public Schools canceled after-school activities for the week “out of an abundance of caution.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities actively seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. They are reviewing “terabytes of data” and asking residents to check any available footage from the area.
What is being done to support the Brown University community?
The FBI has deployed “almost 30 victim specialists, special agents and analysts” to Providence to provide support to survivors and the families of the victims. Brown University has canceled all academic activities for the remainder of the semester.
Has a motive been established for the shooting?
Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting.
As the investigation continues, it is possible that additional details about the suspect and the events leading up to the shooting will emerge. It is also likely that the community will continue to grapple with feelings of anxiety and vulnerability in the wake of this tragic event.
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