VIDEO: Brown University Shooting Press Conference 12/17/2025
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Manhunt Enters Fifth Day in Deadly Brown University Shooting; No Suspect in Custody
Providence, Rhode Island — December 17, 2025
Authorities continued an intensive search Wednesday for the gunman responsible for a mass shooting at Brown University that killed two students and wounded nine others, marking the fifth day of a manhunt that has gripped the Ivy League campus and the surrounding community.
The attack occurred on Saturday, December 13, around 4:05 p.m. EST in the Barus and Holley Building, home to the university's School of Engineering and physics department. The shooter entered a first-floor classroom (Room 166) where a teaching assistant was leading an optional review session for an introductory economics final exam. The gunman, armed with a 9mm handgun, opened fire on the group before fleeing the scene.
The two students killed were identified as sophomore Ella Cook, 19, from Alabama, who served as vice president of Brown's College Republicans chapter, and freshman MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, 18, an international student from Uzbekistan.
Nine others were wounded, all Brown students. As of Wednesday, hospital updates indicated that several victims have been discharged or are in stable condition, with one remaining in critical but stable condition, according to Providence Mayor Brett Smiley.
Investigators described the suspect as a stocky male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, wearing all black clothing and a face mask at the time of the shooting. Surveillance footage released by the FBI and Providence Police shows the person of interest walking near the campus before and after the incident, but no clear facial identification has been made.
On Wednesday, authorities released enhanced images and additional video, while also seeking public assistance to identify a separate individual seen in proximity to the person of interest.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez confirmed the shooter targeted the university specifically but stated there is no evidence the attack was aimed at a particular individual.
Challenges in the investigation include limited surveillance cameras in the older engineering building and students departing campus for winter break, scattering potential witnesses.
Police have warned against circulating AI-generated or altered images online, which they say are hampering the probe.
In response to the tragedy, Brown University canceled all remaining in-person exams, shifted to remote learning where possible, and delayed early decision admissions notifications.
Candlelight vigils have been held on campus, and community support efforts are underway.
Regarding potential connections to other incidents: Reliable sources, including reports from CNN, The New York Times, BBC, and local authorities, indicate no known links between this shooting and any other specific shooting events.
While the incident contributes to broader national statistics on gun violence—with at least 391 mass shootings reported in 2025 per the Gun Violence Archive—it appears to be an isolated event with no established ties to prior campus attacks or other violence.
Online speculation and conspiracy theories have circulated, but officials have urged the public to rely only on verified information from law enforcement.
The investigation remains active, with federal, state, and local agencies involved. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Providence Police or FBI tip line. 17GEN4
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