PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The investigation into the Brown University mass shooting has persisted for over four days, with no named suspect, motive, weapon, or even a clear image of the assailant’s face available to guide authorities toward justice.
Investigators find themselves hindered by a lack of substantial eyewitness accounts and a deficiency of surveillance cameras in the building wing where the attack occurred. As of Wednesday, mounting frustration surrounded the investigative impasse.
Victims of the Shooting
The tragic incident from Saturday claimed the lives of two students and left nine others wounded. The victims were preparing for a final exam in a classroom on the first floor of an older section of the engineering building when the shooter opened fire.
The deceased students, 19-year-old Ella Cook and 18-year-old MukhammadAziz Umurzokov, were beloved members of the community. Cook was known for her involvement in her Alabama church and served as vice president of the Brown College Republicans, while Umurzokov had aspirations of becoming a doctor.
Among the injured, one individual remains hospitalized in critical condition, while the others are stable and recovering.
Challenges in Apprehending the Shooter
The chaos that ensued following the attack led to initial confusion, with authorities temporarily detaining an individual of interest. However, that person was released after investigation ruled out any wrongdoing.
Police have since released several grainy security videos capturing a potential suspect near the campus before and after the attack. Unfortunately, the footage failed to provide a clear identification of the individual involved.
University officials have faced scrutiny for the absence of campus surveillance videos specifically in the attack area. Brown University President Christina Hull Paxson has reiterated the university’s commitment to student safety, highlighting the presence of 1,200 cameras throughout campus.
The Investigation Continues
The authorities have indicated that the area of the building where the assault transpired has inadequate camera coverage. The shooter appears to have entered and exited through a door facing a residential street, which contributed to the absence of footage.
Investigation Insights
Law enforcement has not formally labeled the person in the security footage a suspect, referring to them as a person of interest instead. The individual, described as approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall and stocky, has thus far remained unidentified.
As to the motivation behind targeting Brown University specifically, police have indicated that the shooter may have been scouting the building beforehand, but no one has claimed responsibility for the shooting.
Campus Alerts and Safety Measures
In the wake of the shooting, Brown University activated its emergency notification system, which sent messages to 20,000 individuals. Paxson acknowledged the importance of these alerts, emphasizing that the university opts for discretion regarding which system is activated during such crises.
The lasting impact of this tragic event has plunged the Brown community into mourning, and many questions remain unanswered about the shooter and the motivations behind the attack.
