Brown University victims remain the focus of a national conversation after a deadly shooting on the Providence, Rhode Island campus on December 13, 2025. The attack occurred during final exam season and resulted in the deaths of two students and injuries to nine others. Days later, the investigation continues, the suspect has not been publicly apprehended, and the university community is navigating grief, recovery, and questions about safety.
This report offers a complete, current account of what happened, who was affected, how the investigation is progressing, and how Brown University is responding as students and families move forward.
A Normal Day Turned Tragic
On Saturday afternoon, shortly before 4:00 p.m., students gathered inside the Barus and Holley engineering building for a scheduled exam review session. The space was familiar and active, especially during finals week, when students often meet in groups to prepare.
Without warning, gunfire erupted inside the classroom.
The sudden violence shattered the calm environment. Students sought cover, rushed for exits, or attempted to help classmates who had been injured. The scene unfolded rapidly, leaving little time to process what was happening.
Campus police and local authorities arrived within minutes. The area was secured, nearby buildings were evacuated, and the university issued emergency alerts instructing students and staff to shelter in place. Despite the swift response, the shooter fled on foot and was not immediately located.
Confirmed Brown University Victims
Students Who Lost Their Lives
Authorities have confirmed that two students were killed during the shooting. Their deaths have left a lasting impact on classmates, faculty, families, and alumni.
Ella Cook, 19
Ella Cook was a sophomore at Brown University and a native of Birmingham, Alabama. She was actively involved in campus life and known for her leadership, academic focus, and willingness to support others.
Friends described her as thoughtful and dependable, someone who brought energy into group settings. Her loss has been mourned across campus through vigils, memorials, and personal tributes.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov was a freshman in his first semester at Brown University. Originally from Virginia, he held dual citizenship with the United States and Uzbekistan.
He was described as intelligent, driven, and eager to build connections. Faculty members noted his strong academic promise, while peers remembered his kindness and openness. His death has deeply affected students who were just beginning to know him.
Students Injured During the Attack
In addition to the two fatalities, nine students were injured in the shooting.
- Several sustained gunshot wounds.
- Others were injured while attempting to escape the classroom.
- Some students have since been released after treatment.
- Others remain hospitalized but are reported in stable condition.
University officials have emphasized privacy for the injured while confirming that all are receiving medical care and emotional support. Recovery timelines vary, and support services remain available for as long as needed.
Immediate Actions Taken by the University
Brown University implemented several measures in the hours and days following the shooting to prioritize safety and student well-being.
Key actions included:
- Canceling all remaining final exams for the semester
- Allowing students to leave campus early for winter break
- Offering flexible academic accommodations
- Expanding counseling and trauma support services
- Increasing security presence on campus
University leadership acknowledged the deep shock felt across the community and stated that compassion and flexibility would guide all decisions during this period.
How Students Experienced the Aftermath
For many students, the days following the shooting were marked by confusion and emotional exhaustion.
Some chose to return home immediately, seeking comfort with family. Others stayed near campus to support friends or attend vigils. Many reported difficulty concentrating, sleeping, or processing what had happened.
Student organizations paused normal activities. Athletic events and gatherings were canceled or scaled back. Conversations shifted from exams and plans to grief, safety, and mutual support.
Mental health professionals working with the university stressed that reactions to trauma vary widely and encouraged students to seek help without hesitation.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Response
Early Search Efforts
Law enforcement launched a large-scale investigation immediately after the shooting. Officers reviewed surveillance footage from campus and surrounding neighborhoods, interviewed witnesses, and canvassed nearby areas.
Footage showed a person of interest moving near the engineering building around the time of the attack. Investigators released images internally and followed multiple leads.
An individual was detained early in the process but later released after authorities determined he was not connected to the shooting. The investigation then shifted focus as additional evidence was reviewed.
Current Status of the Case
As of the latest confirmed update:
- Investigators have identified a suspect.
- An arrest warrant has been issued.
- The suspect’s name has not been publicly released.
- No arrest has been announced.
- The investigation extends beyond Rhode Island.
- Federal and state agencies are working jointly.
Authorities have stated that the case remains active and that all credible information is being pursued. They have emphasized patience, noting the complexity of investigations that cross jurisdictions.
Review of Possible Related Incidents
Investigators are also reviewing whether the Brown University shooting may be connected to another fatal incident that occurred days later in Massachusetts involving a university faculty member.
At this stage:
- No direct link has been confirmed.
- Authorities have stated the review is precautionary.
- Both cases continue to be investigated independently unless evidence suggests otherwise.
Officials have emphasized accuracy and caution, stating that no conclusions will be drawn without verified evidence.
Vigils, Memorials, and Remembrance
In the days following the shooting, memorials appeared across campus.
Candlelight vigils drew students, faculty, alumni, and local residents. Flowers, notes, and photographs filled designated remembrance spaces. Speakers shared stories, moments of silence, and messages of unity.
These gatherings served multiple purposes:
- Honoring the Brown University victims
- Supporting injured students
- Providing communal space for grief
- Reinforcing a sense of togetherness
The memorials continue to evolve as students return periodically to campus.
Impact on Faculty and Staff
Faculty members were also deeply affected.
Many instructors paused coursework entirely, focusing instead on student care. Office hours became spaces for conversation rather than academics. Staff members worked extended hours to support counseling, housing transitions, and security needs.
University employees described a shared sense of responsibility to protect students while navigating their own emotional responses to the tragedy.
Campus Safety Under Review
The shooting has prompted renewed discussions about campus safety and preparedness.
Topics under review include:
- Building access policies
- Emergency alert timing and clarity
- Surveillance coverage
- Coordination between campus and city police
- Mental health outreach and early intervention
University officials have stated that safety evaluations are ongoing and that any updates will be communicated once assessments are complete.
Challenges Facing the Investigation
Authorities have acknowledged several challenges that continue to affect the pace and scope of the investigation. Many witnesses left campus shortly after the incident when the university suspended academic activities and encouraged students to return home for winter break. As a result, investigators have had to coordinate interviews across different states, adding time and logistical complexity to the process.
Limited interior surveillance footage from the building where the shooting occurred has also hindered efforts to fully reconstruct the suspect’s movements. While exterior cameras and nearby footage have provided partial insight, gaps remain that must be addressed through witness testimony and forensic analysis.
The suspect’s decision to flee on foot further complicated tracking efforts. Without an immediately identifiable vehicle or clear escape route, investigators have relied heavily on video review, tip follow-ups, and time-sensitive evidence. The involvement of multiple jurisdictions has added another layer of coordination, requiring collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies to ensure information is shared accurately and efficiently.
Despite these obstacles, investigators have reiterated their commitment to accountability and transparency. Authorities continue to pursue all credible leads, review evidence methodically, and work across agencies with the stated goal of providing answers to the Brown University community and bringing resolution to a case that remains a top priority.
Where Things Stand Now
As of today, the impact of the shooting continues to shape daily life at Brown University. Two students have died, and their loss remains a source of profound grief for classmates, faculty, and families. Nine students were injured during the attack. Several of those injured have begun recovering outside the hospital, while others continue medical treatment and rehabilitation with ongoing support from healthcare providers and the university.
The suspect connected to the shooting has not been publicly arrested. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that the investigation remains active, with coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions. Authorities continue to review evidence, follow up on tips, and pursue leads, emphasizing accuracy and accountability as priorities.
Campus recovery efforts are ongoing. Counseling and wellness services remain expanded, academic flexibility continues, and memorial spaces are still maintained for reflection and remembrance. University leadership has emphasized that healing will take time and that support for students, faculty, and staff will remain in place for the long term as the community works toward stability, safety, and recovery.e and that resources will remain available throughout the process.
The Broader Impact on Campus Life
The shooting has fundamentally altered how many students view campus life at Brown University. Spaces once associated with learning, collaboration, and routine now carry emotional weight for those who were present or closely connected to the events of December 13. For some students, returning to familiar buildings has required time, distance, and support, while others have chosen to avoid certain areas altogether as they process the trauma.
At the same time, the experience has strengthened bonds within the community. Many students describe a deeper sense of connection with classmates, faculty, and staff, built through shared grief and collective support. Faculty members have continued to prioritize flexibility and empathy, creating space for conversations that extend beyond academics. Informal check-ins, small group discussions, and peer-to-peer outreach have become more common as students look out for one another.
Conversations about safety, mental health, and community responsibility have also taken on greater urgency. Students are engaging more openly about access to counseling, emergency preparedness, and the importance of recognizing when peers may be struggling. Student leaders have emphasized listening, compassion, and mutual care as essential values during the ongoing recovery period, noting that rebuilding a sense of normalcy will take time and sustained attention.
Moving Forward Together
The tragedy has left an indelible mark on Brown University. The names of the Brown University victims are now part of the institution’s history, remembered not only for how they died but for who they were.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on justice, healing, and prevention. Students, families, and educators are united in honoring those lost while supporting those who survived.
The road ahead will not be simple, but the collective response has shown resilience, empathy, and a commitment to one another.
As developments continue, readers are encouraged to stay informed and share their thoughts as the Brown University community moves forward together.