Police in Rhode Island have entered the third day of their investigation into a shooting that claimed the lives of two individuals and injured nine students at Brown University. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Barus and Holley engineering building, prompting a campus-wide shelter-in-place order that has since been lifted.
This tragic event adds to the growing concern surrounding gun violence, particularly in educational settings. With two victims identified and a community shaken, the urgency to apprehend the suspect intensifies. The implications extend beyond the immediate tragedy, prompting discussions about campus safety and gun control in the U.S.
Key Developments
- Saturday at 4:22 p.m.: The shooting began as a person entered Barus and Holley, resulting in two deaths and injuries to nine others.
- Saturday at 11:04 p.m.: Surveillance footage of a person of interest was released by police.
- Sunday at 5:42 a.m.: The shelter-in-place order was lifted after over 12 hours of lockdown.
- Sunday at 3:45 a.m.: Law enforcement detained a person of interest, though it was unclear if he was affiliated with the university.
- Sunday at 11 p.m.: Authorities released the person of interest, citing insufficient evidence.
- Monday at 2:30 p.m.: Further surveillance footage was made public, showing a man wearing dark clothing shortly before the shooting.
- Monday at 5:15 p.m.: New images of the suspect were released, describing him as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a stocky build.
Full Report
Details of the Incident
Ella Cook, the 19-year-old president of the Brown University College Republicans, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov were the two victims of the shooting. The incident forced the university to issue a shelter-in-place order as police conducted a thorough search of the campus. President Christina H. Paxson referred to the day as a “tragic” one for the institution, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of life.
Ongoing Investigation
The Providence Police Department has described the suspect as a man dressed in black, who fled the building on foot. Following the shooting, a person of interest was detained, but later released due to a lack of evidence linking him to the crime. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha confirmed that there were no grounds to continue considering the individual a suspect.
Community Impact
The shooting has left students and families feeling uneasy and has raised pressing questions about campus safety. Retired FBI Supervisory Agent Jason Pack emphasized the demand for answers from the community, highlighting the responsibilities felt by law enforcement and university officials during this time. The call for justice resonates deeply among the families affected by this tragedy.
Context & Previous Events
The situation at Brown occurs amidst a national dialogue on gun violence and safety in educational environments. As schools and universities grapple with similar incidents, the need for robust safety measures and communal support has never been more critical.
