PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The investigation into the Brown University mass shooting has dragged on for more than four days with no named suspect, motive, weapon, or even a clear image of the assailant’s face that might help bring them to justice. Investigators have been hindered by the lack of clear eyewitness accounts and a limited number of security cameras in the building where the attack occurred. As of Wednesday, frustration over the lack of visible progress in the investigation was mounting.
The attack on Saturday killed two students and injured nine others, all of whom were studying for a final in a classroom in the engineering building when the gunman opened fire. The deceased students were identified as 19-year-old Ella Cook and 18-year-old MukhammadAziz Umurzokov. Cook was involved in church activities and served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans, while Umurzokov had aspirations to become a doctor.
As for the wounded, one individual remained in critical condition while several others were stable or discharged from the hospital. The initial chaos on campus following the attack led to a false lead, where a person of interest was detained but released shortly after determining he was not involved.
Authorities have released security videos of a masked person who may have been involved, but their faces are obscured. Criticism has been levied against Brown University for insufficient surveillance in the area of the attack, although the university president defended the response, citing 1,200 cameras across campus. However, experts suggest that the particular wing of the building lacks proper coverage.
The motives behind the shooting remain unclear, with no individual or group claiming responsibility for the violence. Police have urged the public to review any footage from the week prior to the incident, hoping that it might reveal insights into the shooter’s premeditation.
On the issue of campus safety alerts, Brown University operates two security systems to communicate emergencies. One involves sending messages to thousands of individuals, while the other features audible sirens that would not be activated in an active shooter scenario. This approach has raised questions about the most effective way to timely inform students and faculty during such dire situations.
As the community continues to seek answers, the emphasis on safety, vigilance, and support for those affected remains paramount.
The attack on Saturday killed two students and injured nine others, all of whom were studying for a final in a classroom in the engineering building when the gunman opened fire. The deceased students were identified as 19-year-old Ella Cook and 18-year-old MukhammadAziz Umurzokov. Cook was involved in church activities and served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans, while Umurzokov had aspirations to become a doctor.
As for the wounded, one individual remained in critical condition while several others were stable or discharged from the hospital. The initial chaos on campus following the attack led to a false lead, where a person of interest was detained but released shortly after determining he was not involved.
Authorities have released security videos of a masked person who may have been involved, but their faces are obscured. Criticism has been levied against Brown University for insufficient surveillance in the area of the attack, although the university president defended the response, citing 1,200 cameras across campus. However, experts suggest that the particular wing of the building lacks proper coverage.
The motives behind the shooting remain unclear, with no individual or group claiming responsibility for the violence. Police have urged the public to review any footage from the week prior to the incident, hoping that it might reveal insights into the shooter’s premeditation.
On the issue of campus safety alerts, Brown University operates two security systems to communicate emergencies. One involves sending messages to thousands of individuals, while the other features audible sirens that would not be activated in an active shooter scenario. This approach has raised questions about the most effective way to timely inform students and faculty during such dire situations.
As the community continues to seek answers, the emphasis on safety, vigilance, and support for those affected remains paramount.
