Additional Coverage:
- New footage of Brown University shooting suspect released by FBI as manhunt continues (the-independent.com)
FBI Releases New Footage in Brown University Shooting, Offers $50,000 Reward
PROVIDENCE, RI – The FBI has released new surveillance footage of a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of two individuals at Brown University on Saturday. The incident, which occurred around 4 p.m. at the Barus and Holley building as students gathered for a study session, left the campus community reeling and the assailant still at large.
Authorities are now offering a substantial $50,000 reward for information leading to the suspect’s identification, arrest, and conviction. The FBI describes the individual as having a “stocky” build and standing approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall.
The newly released footage depicts the suspect walking on university grounds, dressed in a dark coat, black gloves, a black face mask, and a beanie hat, obscuring the lower half of their face. According to NBC News, this footage was captured on Hope, Manning, and Benevolent Streets, roughly two hours before the deadly shooting.
Providence Police are urging anyone who recognizes the masked individual to contact them or the FBI immediately.
The investigation saw a brief diversion when police initially detained a “person of interest.” However, that individual was subsequently cleared of suspicion after ballistics from weapons found in his possession did not match those recovered at the crime scene. The 24-year-old man was released without charges.
Attorney General Peter Neronha commented on the initial misdirection, stating, “I’ve been around long enough to know that sometimes you head in one direction and then you have to regroup and go in another and that’s exactly what has happened over the last 24 hours or so.”
The handling of the initial detention drew criticism, particularly aimed at FBI Director Kash Patel, who had posted extensively on social media platform X touting the FBI’s work before the individual was cleared. Critics, including Ron Filipkowski of MeidasTouch and author Don Winslow, pointed to a pattern of premature announcements.
In the wake of the tragedy, law enforcement has significantly increased its presence at Brown University, even after lifting the campus lockdown early Sunday.
Meanwhile, the families of the two students killed have begun sharing heartfelt tributes to their loved ones. Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an aspiring neurosurgeon, was remembered by his sister, Rukhsora Umurzokova, as having a “huge personality.”
She told NBC News that Umurzokov’s ambition to study neurology was sparked by a doctor who treated him for a brain fluid buildup in his childhood. His roommate, Khimari Manns, described a harrowing experience of trying to contact Umurzokov while sheltering during the shooting, only to discover his friend had been killed the following day.
Ella Cook, Vice President of Brown’s College Republicans of America, was also among the victims. Martin Bertao, the CRA president, described her on X as “bold, brave and kind.” Reverend Craig Smalley of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, a parishioner of his, called Cook an “incredible, grounded, faithful bright light” and urged prayers for her.
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- New footage of Brown University shooting suspect released by FBI as manhunt continues (the-independent.com)