Officials revealed that the area on Brown University’s campus, where a gunman shot and killed two students, lacked surveillance cameras due to the age of the building. Interestingly, the university president’s residence, which is even older, appears to have video surveillance, raising some eyebrows.
During a press conference, it was noted that the Barth and Hawley Engineering and Physics Building had limited camera coverage, despite the university’s substantial financial backing, which includes $7.2 billion in donations. Additional images of a person of interest linked to the incident were also shared.
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha mentioned that a new section was added to the building about five years ago—this newer part is equipped with cameras, unlike the older section where the shooting happened. He explained, “There’s an old part at the back of the building and a new part at the front. The filming took place in the old backend; I don’t think there are many cameras in that area, if any.”
The shooting victim has been identified as Ella Cook, remembered by many as an “incredible light.”
Despite having 1,200 cameras across the campus, authorities are facing challenges in gathering clear footage of the shooter. Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez stated there was no definitive video evidence from the interior of the building during the incident. This has sparked further scrutiny regarding the university’s security measures.
The Barus & Holley building, which houses many engineering and physics facilities, has not only classrooms and offices but also advanced laboratories—yet its security apparatus remains a hot topic.
Notably, the president’s residence, built in 1922 and acquired by the university in 1947, shows signs of being secured with surveillance technology according to various online sources, though it’s unclear how comprehensive that coverage is.
Neronha pointed out that the shooting took place in a somewhat secluded area at the end of the campus, making it less monitored. He also indicated that footage of the person of interest’s movement was captured leading up to and following the attack.
Interestingly, the university has a program that allocates 1% of construction budgets for incorporating art into its new buildings and major renovations, perhaps emphasizing their commitment to blending aesthetics with functionality.
