(PatriotNews.net) – A deadly campus shooting at Brown University has exposed the vulnerability of unlocked academic buildings during finals week, as authorities release a person of interest while a dangerous gunman remains at large.
Story Snapshot
- Two students killed, nine wounded during economics review session in unlocked building
- Person of interest released as manhunt continues for suspect in dark clothing
- Attack occurred during finals week in high-capacity lecture room with 186 seats
- University’s rapid alert system corrected initial false reports of suspect in custody
Deadly Attack During Finals Week
On December 13, 2025, a gunman opened fire during a final exam review session at Brown University’s Barus and Holley Building, killing students Ella Cook and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov while wounding nine others. The attack began at approximately 4:05 p.m. EST in Room 166, a 186-seat lecture hall where students attended a teaching assistant-led review for Professor Rachel Friedberg’s introductory economics class. The shooter used a handgun and escaped through the Hope Street side of the building.
Investigation Developments and Manhunt
Providence Police released a person of interest after initial detention, confirming the manhunt continues for the actual suspect described as a male wearing all black or dark gray clothing. Authorities corrected an erroneous report claiming the suspect was in custody, issued 20 minutes after the initial alert. Police have released surveillance video showing the suspect on Hope Street and are requesting doorbell camera footage from local residents to aid the ongoing investigation.
Campus Security Response Under Scrutiny
The shooting highlights serious security vulnerabilities as the attack occurred in an unlocked academic building during one of the busiest periods of the semester. Brown University Public Safety issued the first active shooter alert at 4:22 p.m., followed by a false alarm about gunfire near Governor Street that was retracted at 6:10 p.m. The incident represents the first mass shooting in Brown University’s 261-year history, raising questions about access controls during high-traffic academic events like final exam reviews.
Victim Recovery and Community Impact
Rhode Island Hospital treated all nine wounded students, with medical status reports showing one in critical condition, six in critical-stable condition, and two stable as of December 14. President Christina Paxson confirmed the student fatalities and urged the Brown community to support affected families during this tragic time. The attack has heightened safety concerns among students and families, particularly as it targeted a routine academic gathering that students regularly attend without security screening or restricted access protocols.
This unprecedented violence at an Ivy League institution underscores the urgent need for enhanced campus security measures that protect constitutional rights while ensuring student safety. The fact that a gunman could enter an unlocked building and attack students during finals week reveals dangerous gaps in security protocols that put law-abiding students at risk.
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