Major Manhunt Stalls — Public Told to Stay Alert

FBI agent holding a gun behind the back.

A vicious gunman slaughtered two innocent students, including the vice president of Brown’s College Republicans, and wounded nine others during finals week, yet the suspect remains free on day five despite a massive manhunt and FBI reward.

Story Snapshot

Lone shooter killed Ella Cook, Brown College Republicans VP, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, wounding nine in an economics review session on December 13, 2025.
Unidentified white male suspect at large into fifth day, hampered by snow, sparse cameras, and false leads in Providence, RI.
Over 400 officers from Providence PD, FBI, ATF, and RI State Police involved; $50,000 FBI reward offered with DNA evidence recovered.
Incident exposes vulnerabilities in campus security during high-stakes finals, raising alarms for student safety nationwide.

Shooting Details and Immediate Response

On December 13, 2025, at approximately 4:00 p.m. EST, a lone gunman entered Brown University’s Barus and Holley Building in Providence, Rhode Island. He targeted Room 166 during a crowded economics review session led by TA Joseph Oduro for Professor Rachel Friedberg’s class. The shooter fired a 9mm handgun, killing two students and wounding nine others. Brown University issued its first active shooter alert at 4:22 p.m. An erroneous custody alert followed at 4:50 p.m., corrected ten minutes later. A false gunfire report near Governor Street at 5:27 p.m. was retracted by 6:10 p.m. The unlocked engineering building with limited surveillance allowed undetected entry and escape toward Hope Street.

Suspect Profile and Manhunt Challenges

Authorities describe the suspect as an unidentified white male with darker complexion, last seen wearing a black beanie, mask, green jacket, and black gloves. Overnight snow erased footprints and potential fingerprints after he fled. Police released suspect footage rapidly, including new videos on December 15 and a movement map on December 17. DNA and fingerprint evidence from shell casings were confirmed, but no identification emerged. False leads plagued efforts: a hotel raid on December 14 and an out-of-state home raid cleared via ballistics mismatch. Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez stated, “He could be anywhere… We don’t know where the person is or who he is.” Over 400 officers continue the search into December 18.

Victims and Community Impact

Ella Cook, vice president of Brown College Republicans and Alabama parishioner, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, a recent Uzbek American high school graduate from Virginia, died in the attack. Nine wounded Brown students faced hospitalization; two discharged by December 17, one remained critical as of December 14. The shooting disrupted finals week, triggered campus lockdowns, and strained local hospitals. Providence residents received pleas for doorbell footage. Conservative student groups and Uzbek American communities mourn deeply amid holiday fears. Short-term trauma compounds long-term concerns over enrollment and security in higher education.

This tragedy underscores failures in campus protections, where unlocked doors and camera gaps left patriotic students vulnerable. Under President Trump’s leadership, renewed focus on law and order prioritizes swift justice, contrasting past lax policies that endangered Americans. Families demand accountability as the hunt drags on.

Multi-Agency Response and Leadership

Providence Police Department leads, supported by FBI offering a $50,000 reward, ATF on ballistics, and RI State Police deployed by Governor Dan McKee. Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha cleared an early detainee based on evidence. Providence Mayor Smiley coordinated locally. Federal overlay bolsters local efforts for public safety. Brown University Public Safety managed alerts and victim support. No shooter motive surfaced, but experts note weather and surveillance shortages hinder progress. Chief Perez urges public vigilance.

President Trump’s administration stands ready to assist, emphasizing strong policing to protect campuses from such horrors. This incident fuels calls for enhanced security measures without infringing Second Amendment rights essential for self-defense.