Authorities in Providence, Rhode Island, have released a new map detailing the movements of a person of interest in the Brown University shooting and are urgently seeking the public’s assistance as the manhunt continues into its fifth day with no arrest yet made. This development comes after a shooter opened fire on campus over the weekend, killing two students and injuring nine others, prompting a widespread investigation and community outreach.
On Saturday, December 13, 2025, a gunman entered the Barus & Holley building at Brown University, where students were attending a voluntary study session for an economics class. The attack resulted in the deaths of two students and left nine wounded, causing the Ivy League institution to cancel classes and final exams. One of the victims, MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, was at the session to accompany a friend despite not being enrolled in the course, highlighting the random nature of the violence. The shooting sent shockwaves through the campus, with students barricading themselves in nearby libraries and sheltering for hours until police secured the area.
In a press conference on Wednesday, December 17, Providence Police Chief Oscar L. Perez unveiled an enhanced map showing the streets where the person of interest is confirmed to have been present on the day of the shooting, including areas near Hope and Benevolent streets. The map aims to trace the individual’s movements before and after the incident, with police also releasing enhanced video footage captured on the East Side of Providence approximately two hours prior to the attack. The person of interest is described as about 5-foot-8 with a stocky build and was seen wearing a face covering while walking in the vicinity, though his identity and affiliation with the university remain unknown.
Chief Perez confirmed that eyewitness accounts from survivors match the description of the person of interest, solidifying law enforcement’s focus on this individual. Additionally, authorities are seeking to identify another person seen near the person of interest at the corner of Benevolent and Cooke streets, believing this individual may have crossed paths and could offer vital information. Perez warned the public against relying on AI-generated images circulating on social media, emphasizing that updates should come exclusively from official police channels to prevent misinformation.
The investigation has encountered significant hurdles, particularly due to limited security camera footage from university buildings, which has slowed the search for the suspect. Brown University acknowledged that while it maintains an extensive camera network, it does not cover every hallway or classroom, and a comprehensive security review is planned. In response, police have expanded their request for video and photos from residents and businesses in a broader perimeter around the campus, specifically looking for evidence of the suspect entering a vehicle or residence after the shooting.
As of Wednesday, the medical conditions of the injured victims have varied: two have been treated and released from the hospital, one remains in critical but stable condition, five are in stable condition, and another sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The Brown University community has demonstrated resilience, with students sharing stories of solidarity, such as checking on each other’s well-being and providing support in the aftermath. This collective response has helped ease anxieties amid the ongoing uncertainty.
Law enforcement officials, including Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, expressed optimism about solving the case, noting that leads are actively being pursued and resources are ample. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the gunman. Despite frustrations over the investigation’s pace, authorities have vowed not to cease efforts until the shooter is apprehended, with Chief Perez stating that the search could extend further but will ultimately succeed.
The ongoing manhunt underscores the persistent challenge of gun violence in educational settings and the critical role of public cooperation in criminal investigations. As police continue to solicit tips, the Brown University community mourns its losses while holding out hope for a breakthrough that will deliver justice and closure, with implications for campus security and national discourse on safety measures.
