Police in Rhode Island are currently in the midst of a search for the individual who fatally shot two people and injured nine students at Brown University. The violent incident took place at the university’s Barth and Hawley Engineering Building around 4 p.m. on Saturday. There was an arrest of a suspect early Sunday morning, but that individual has since been released.
The two victims, Ella Cook and Muhammad Aziz Umurzokov, were both students, with Cook serving as the president of the Brown University Republicans.
Timeline of the Brown University shooting:
Saturday 4:22 p.m.: Alert issued about active shooter.
At 4:22 p.m., an armed individual entered the Barth and Hawley Engineering Building, resulting in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued across the university campus but was later lifted as police conducted searches for the shooter. Brown University’s President Christina H. Paxson remarked on the tragedy, expressing her deep condolences for the victims.
“There are truly no words that can express the deep sadness we feel for the victims of the shooting at Barth and Hawley Engineering and Physics Building today,” Paxson said.
Violence erupts at Brown University, raising security concerns on campus.
Officials noted that the exterior door of the building was unlocked due to final exams. Providence Police Deputy Chief Tim O’Hara indicated that the suspect, described as a man in black clothing, exited the building on foot.
Saturday 11:04 p.m.: Release of video showing person of interest:
Late on Saturday, the authorities released surveillance footage of a person of interest in connection with the shooting.
Sunday 5:42 a.m.: Updates on shelter clearance:
More than twelve hours after the initial incident, Brown University cleared the shelter order, allowing students to leave the premises. Law enforcement began evacuating students overnight.
3:45 a.m. Sunday: Detention of high-ranking official:
Authorities hold a person detained for questioning:
Authorities announced early Sunday that they had detained a high-ranking official, but Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez Jr. did not clarify if this person had any connection to the university.
Sunday 11 p.m.: Release of detained individuals:
Providence city officials confirmed the release of previously detained individuals due to insufficient evidence.
Brown University shooting victim Ella Cook remembered as a light:
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha commented, “Well, I think it’s fair to say there’s no basis to consider him a person of interest, and that’s why he’s being released.”
Monday 2:30 p.m.: Further actions by police:
Monday 5:15 p.m.: New images released:
Authorities, including the FBI and Providence Police Department, shared additional images and video of a suspect dressed in black, captured by surveillance cameras. These images were retrieved shortly before the shooting, with the individual described as a male, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a stocky build.
Authorities also confirmed that the shooter used a 9mm handgun.
Community seeking answers:
“People want answers,” former FBI Supervisor Jason Pack stated, emphasizing the heightened pressure on law enforcement. “Parents want to know their children are safe. Students want to understand their ability to move about campus. The families of those affected demand justice, and they absolutely deserve it.” He added that pressure alone won’t resolve cases; it’s the evidence that truly matters.
