Investigators Stymied in Brown University Shooting Case Amid Growing Frustration

Thu Dec 18 2025 07:25:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The tragic mass shooting at Brown University remains unresolved as investigators struggle to identify the shooter, provide a motive, or even produce clear evidence of the assailant, leaving two students dead and nine others injured.

More than four days have passed since the shooting at Brown University that claimed the lives of two students and injured nine. Despite the urgency of the investigation, authorities face significant challenges, including a lack of clear eyewitness accounts and security footage. With the community's frustrations mounting, officials have called for the public's help in identifying a masked person of interest captured on video prior to the attack. As the investigation continues, details about the students involved and the university's emergency response are emerging.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The investigation into the mass shooting at Brown University has entered its fifth day, with no clear suspect, motive, or identifiable weapon, leaving investigators and the community in a state of unease.

The tragic shooting, which occurred on Saturday, resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others who were preparing for exams in a classroom located in an older section of the engineering building.

The deceased were identified as 19-year-old Ella Cook, an active member of her local church and the university's College Republicans, and 18-year-old MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, who aspired to a medical career after immigrating from Uzbekistan as a child.

Among the wounded, one student remains in critical condition while six others are stable, according to Rhode Island Hospital.

The Pursuit of the Shooter

Confusion reigned in the immediate aftermath of the attack, with authorities initially detaining a person of interest, only to release him shortly thereafter. Police have since released several grainy surveillance videos showing an individual around the time of the shooting, but the lack of identifiable features has complicated the investigation.

Brown University President Christina Hull Paxson addressed concerns regarding campus security protocols, asserting that while there are over 1,200 cameras on campus, the specific area of the attack lacks adequate surveillance coverage. Criticism of the university's safety measures has increased as officials seek to reassure the community of their commitment to student safety.

Public Assistance Needed

Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any video footage from the week leading up to the incident, as they believe the shooter may have been scouting the area prior to the attack.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further discussions around the reasons behind the attack still unclear. No group has taken responsibility, and calls for caution amongst community members concerning speculation have been emphasized.

Emergency Alerts and Community Response

Paxson explained the university's emergency alert system, which notified around 20,000 individuals through various communication channels regarding the incident. However, concerns about potential disruptions and misinformation have influenced the management of the school's safety protocols.

The community reacts with sorrow and distrust, seeking answers that, as of now, remain elusive.

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