Police in Providence are urging patience as the manhunt for the gunman who killed two people and injured nine at Brown University enters its sixth day, with investigators releasing new video and seeking to identify a second individual who may have critical information. The search has intensified but yielded no suspect yet, leaving the Ivy League campus and surrounding community on edge.
The shooting occurred on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in a lecture hall at Brown University where students were reviewing for an exam. Two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammed Aziz Umurzokov, were killed, and nine others were injured, some of whom remain hospitalized. The attacker opened fire without warning, creating a chaotic scene that has traumatized the university.
Investigators have released enhanced CCTV footage showing a person of interest, described as a 5-foot-8 man with a stocky build, walking near the campus hours before the attack. Police say the individual was “casing” the area, and they have also distributed a photo of a second person who was in close proximity to the primary person of interest. Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez emphasized that they need to speak with this second individual to advance the investigation.
Chief Perez and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha have publicly asked for patience from the community, acknowledging frustrations over the lack of progress. Neronha expressed confidence that the shooter will be caught, stating it is “just a matter of time.” Police have gathered physical and DNA evidence and are following up on hundreds of actionable tips, but no arrests have been made.
The Brown University campus, now mostly emptied for winter break, has a somber atmosphere with quiet walkways and makeshift memorials. Community members have gathered to pay respects, leaving bouquets and praying for the victims. Colleen Kenne, a local worker, reflected on the absence of the usual joy and expressed hope that someone will recognize the suspect from the videos.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, underscoring the national attention on the case. Federal agents are assisting local police, and the investigation is being treated as a top priority. Officials have not commented on a possible motive or whether any victims were targeted, keeping the community in suspense.
Security measures have been scrutinized, with questions raised about the lack of cameras in key areas. Brown University officials have stated that the campus has about 1,200 security cameras and is cooperating fully with the investigation. Meanwhile, police have increased their visible presence on campus and in Providence as a precaution to reassure the public, though no specific threats have been identified since the shooting.
As the manhunt continues, residents are urged to review their home security footage and report any information. Police remain hopeful that public cooperation will lead to a breakthrough. The tragedy has reignited discussions on campus safety and gun violence, with implications that may extend beyond this incident. For now, the focus is on finding the perpetrator and bringing closure to a grieving community.
