Authorities have renewed their search for the gunman behind a deadly shooting at Brown University after releasing a previously detained person of interest, citing a lack of evidence.
Investigators Shift Focus After Release
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha said officials found no legal basis to keep the individual in custody. He confirmed that investigators are now pursuing new leads.
Providence Police Chief Colonel Oscar Perez stated that the detained individual did not match CCTV footage. The video shows a suspect dressed in black walking away from the scene shortly after the shooting.
Officials have not explained why police detained the person earlier. Media organizations have since stopped identifying that individual.
What Happened at Brown University
The shooting took place on Saturday at around 4:00 pm local time. The gunman opened fire inside a classroom at the Holley Engineering Building on Brown University’s campus in Providence.
Two students, Ella Cook and MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, lost their lives. Nine others suffered injuries. One remains in critical condition, while several others are stable.
Brown University President Christina Paxson confirmed that all victims were students.
Victims Remembered Across Communities
The College Republicans of America identified Ella Cook as the vice president of Brown’s College Republicans chapter. Colleagues described her as brave, kind, and deeply committed to student leadership.
Family members said MukhammadAziz Umurzokov hoped to become a neurosurgeon. The Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the US ambassador issued statements honoring his life and future.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared condolences online. FBI Director Kash Patel pledged a round-the-clock investigation until authorities deliver justice.
President Donald Trump also addressed the tragedy. He expressed sympathy for the families and wished the injured students a quick recovery.
Campus Response and Safety Measures
Brown University said officials see no immediate threat to the campus or surrounding area. However, administrators urged students and staff to remain alert.
The university canceled all remaining in-person classes and exams for the semester. Officials relocated nearly 2,000 students to safe locations overnight.
Some campus areas remain restricted while police continue their work. On Sunday evening, students and residents gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the victims.
Investigation Continues
Police are actively reviewing video footage and asking the public to share any information that may help identify the suspect. Authorities lifted the shelter-in-place order for local residents on Sunday.
The shooting adds to a rising number of mass shootings across the United States. The Gun Violence Archive has recorded 389 incidents so far this year.
