Brown University Custodian Alleges Prior Awareness of Shooting Suspect
A custodian at Brown University has come forward with claims that he saw the suspect in the deadly December 13 campus shooting multiple times in the weeks leading up to the attack. Derek Lisi reported to The Boston Globe that he observed unusual behavior from the individual, which raises questions about campus security and the potential for preventative measures.
Why It Matters
This report is significant as it sheds light on possible warning signs preceding the shooting that resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries. Understanding how this person went undetected could inform future security protocols at educational institutions and enhance the safety of students and staff alike.
Key Developments
- Derek Lisi, a Brown University custodian, claims to have seen the shooting suspect, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, approximately ten times from early January until the attack.
- Before the incident, Lisi reported to a campus security guard that he had noticed Valente exhibiting suspicious behavior.
- Two students, Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, were killed in the shooting, which occurred during a class session.
- Following the shooting, Lisi communicated his concerns to the Providence Police.
Full Report
Observations by the Custodian
Derek Lisi noted that he frequently saw a man pacing in the Barus and Holley engineering and physics building. According to Lisi, the man was seen looking into classrooms and attempting to avoid detection by hiding in a bathroom. His repeated presence on campus prompted Lisi to express concerns, particularly about the individual circling the hallways and lingering in certain areas.
In mid-November, Lisi approached a campus security guard to raise alarms about the suspicious behavior he had witnessed. “I knew there was something off with him,” Lisi said regarding Valente, who was later identified as the shooter. Following the tragic events of December 13, Lisi reached out to provide information to the Providence Police, highlighting the need for better security measures.
Incident Summary
The shooting occurred in a classroom around 4 p.m. on December 13, leading to the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. Ella Cook, vice president of the Brown University College Republicans, was among those killed, drawing additional attention to the campus’s safety protocols. Cook’s memorial service took place in her hometown in Alabama shortly after the tragedy.
Context & Previous Events
The shooting at Brown University has highlighted serious concerns regarding campus security, especially in facilities that have been described by individuals like Lisi as having lax access controls. Students and staff have expressed increased anxiety about safety, prompting discussions on implementing more stringent security measures moving forward.
