Brown University Shooting Suspect Released, Gunman Still at Large

Brown University Shooting Investigation Takes Dramatic Turn

In a stunning development in the investigation of the deadly shooting at Brown University, authorities have released a man who was initially detained as a person of interest, leaving the actual gunman still at large. The shooting, which occurred on December 13, 2025, at the prestigious Ivy League campus in Providence, Rhode Island, claimed the lives of two students and left nine others injured during final exams.

Victims Identified as Promising Students

The victims have been identified as Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a freshman from Uzbekistan with aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon, and Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama who served as vice president of Brown's Republican Club. Umurzokov was described by his family as 'incredibly kind-hearted and our biggest role model', while Cook was remembered by her church community as 'a tremendous and bright light who served others faithfully'.

The shooting took place around 4 p.m. in the Barus & Holley Engineering building at 184 Hope Street, where students were taking final exams. According to eyewitness accounts, the shooter entered the unlocked building and opened fire on students gathered for a study session.

Investigation Takes Unexpected Turn

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced the release of the detained individual, stating that evidence collected over the past 24 hours had 'pointed in a different direction'. The man, whose identity has not been released, was initially detained based on a tip investigated by the FBI and cellular geolocation data that tracked him to a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island.

'I've been in this business long enough to know that sometimes you go down one path and later determine you need to go down another,' Neronha told reporters. 'That's exactly what happened over the past 24 hours. There's no basis to consider him a suspect any longer, which is why he was released.'

Massive Manhunt Continues

Law enforcement has released surveillance video showing a male suspect dressed entirely in black leaving the engineering building. The footage, shared by authorities, shows a figure whose face is not visible, possibly wearing a camouflage gray mask. Police estimate the suspect to be around 30 years old.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley acknowledged the anxiety the release might cause but emphasized that 'there are no additional credible threats' to the university or surrounding community. The shelter-in-place order that was initially issued has been lifted, though the area remains an active crime scene.

The FBI has established a dedicated portal at fbi.gov/brownuniversityshooting for the public to submit images, videos, and information related to the incident. Over 400 law enforcement personnel from multiple agencies, including Providence Police, FBI, and Rhode Island State Police, are involved in the investigation.

Campus Security Concerns Emerge

The shooting has raised significant questions about campus security protocols at Brown University. Students have reported that the university's first alert about the active shooter arrived minutes after they had already received texts from friends about rumors of a shooting. Some students also noted conflicting information in subsequent alerts.

Brown University President Christina H. Paxson called it 'a deeply tragic day for Brown' and announced the cancellation of classes and exams as the community grieves. A vigil was held Sunday night for the victims, and a GoFundMe campaign for Umurzokov's family has raised nearly $190,000.

Broader Context of Gun Violence

This incident adds to the staggering statistics of gun violence in the United States. According to CNN reporting, 2025 has seen at least 75 school shootings and 391 mass shootings so far. The Brown University shooting represents another tragic chapter in the ongoing national conversation about campus safety and gun control.

As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through their online portal. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and the search for the actual perpetrator continues into its third day.