The academic community at Brown University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, remains in shock following a deadly shooting on its campus in Providence, Rhode Island, that left two students dead and at least nine others injured.

More than 72 hours after the attack, authorities are intensifying their search for the suspect amid growing concerns about safety at American universities.

The shooting occurred inside Barus and Holley Hall, a central academic building frequently used by students and faculty.

According to Providence police, the gunman opened fire inside the university before fleeing the scene, triggering a large-scale emergency response that included campus lockdowns, class cancellations, and the evacuation of key facilities such as the main library.

In recent updates, law enforcement released new surveillance images showing a person described as “relevant to the investigation.” The individual is believed to be approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a stocky build, wearing dark clothing and partially covering their face.

Police analysts noted that the person’s distinctive walking pattern could be recognizable to someone familiar with them. The FBI confirmed it is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect.

Investigators said the images were captured around 2 p.m. on Saturday, roughly two hours before the shooting, a timeline that could prove critical in tracing the suspect’s movements.

University research and press release

The investigation took a notable turn after a previously detained individual was released and ruled out as a suspect, a decision that sparked confusion and anxiety among students, faculty, and local residents.

Rhode Island’s attorney general stated that the release was due to insufficient evidence and emphasized that the investigation remains active with support from state and federal agencies.

Brown University has urged anyone who was inside Barus and Holley Hall in the hours leading up to the attack to contact authorities. “Even information that may seem incidental could assist law enforcement in protecting our community,” the university said in an official update.

Officials also warned about an increase in false tips and unfounded threats that have complicated the ongoing investigation.In response to the attack, the university significantly усилed security across campus.

Measures include increased police presence, restricted building access, and enhanced monitoring, as fear and uncertainty continue to grip the campus. The state’s governor also ordered a comprehensive review of school safety protocols in the wake of the tragedy.

Victims

The two victims were identified as 18-year-old Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov and 19-year-old Ella Cook. Umurzokov, a student from Virginia, was remembered by his family as a kind, intelligent young man who dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon.

Uzbekistan’s foreign ministry issued a statement expressing condolences and mourning the loss of an innocent life.

Cook, a resident of Alabama, was deeply involved in campus life and served as vice president of Brown’s College Republicans. Her church described her as a bright and faithful presence in the community. Political leaders across the country expressed their sorrow, highlighting how the attack has reignited national conversations about gun violence.

The shooting has once again intensified debate over gun access and security at universities in the United States, where mass shootings have become a recurring and deeply troubling phenomenon.

For the Brown University community, the immediate challenge is to heal from the trauma while demanding accountability, justice for the victims, and concrete measures to prevent such violence from happening again.