Brown University victims continue to shape a painful chapter in U.S. campus history following the deadly shooting that occurred on December 13, 2025, in Providence, Rhode Island. The attack left two students dead and nine others injured, disrupting final exams and leaving the Ivy League campus in mourning. As of today, December 19, 2025, the investigation remains active, the suspect has not been publicly apprehended, and the university community is focused on healing, accountability, and safety.
This article provides a complete, verified account of the victims, the events of that day, and the latest confirmed developments.
Table of Contents
What Happened on December 13, 2025
On Saturday afternoon, shortly before 4:00 p.m., a gunman entered an engineering classroom at Brown University during a final exam review session. Students were gathered for academic purposes when the attacker opened fire without warning.
The shooting took place inside the Barus and Holley engineering building, a central academic space that is typically busy during the end of the semester. Students described moments of confusion and fear as shots rang out, forcing many to hide, flee, or assist injured classmates.
Campus police and Providence authorities responded within minutes. The building was secured, nearby areas were evacuated, and a campus-wide lockdown was issued. Despite the rapid response, the shooter escaped the scene and remains at large as of this writing.
Confirmed Brown University Victims
Students Killed in the Shooting
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the two students who lost their lives in the attack. Their deaths have had a lasting impact on the Brown University community and beyond.
Ella Cook, 19
Ella Cook was a sophomore at Brown University and a native of Birmingham, Alabama. She was known on campus for her academic dedication and leadership involvement. Friends described her as thoughtful, driven, and deeply engaged in student life.
Her loss has been felt across multiple communities, including her hometown and university organizations. Vigils, memorial services, and moments of silence have been held in her honor.
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18
Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov was a freshman at Brown University and a dual citizen of the United States and Uzbekistan. He had recently begun his college journey and was widely regarded as intelligent, ambitious, and kind.
Those who knew him spoke of his strong work ethic and future aspirations. His death during his first semester has been particularly devastating for classmates and faculty who were just getting to know him.
Injured Students
In addition to the two fatalities, nine students were injured during the shooting.
- Some victims sustained gunshot wounds and were hospitalized.
- Others were treated for related injuries sustained while escaping.
- Several students have since been released from medical care.
- Others remain hospitalized but are reported to be in stable condition.
University officials have emphasized privacy for the injured students while confirming that all are receiving appropriate medical and emotional support.
Immediate Campus Response
Following the shooting, Brown University took swift action to address safety concerns and student well-being.
- All remaining final exams for the semester were canceled.
- Students were encouraged to return home early for winter break.
- Academic deadlines and requirements were adjusted.
- Counseling and trauma support services were expanded.
- Memorial spaces were established on campus.
University leadership described the incident as a profound loss and emphasized compassion, transparency, and support during the recovery period.
Investigation and Manhunt
Early Search Efforts
Law enforcement launched an extensive search immediately after the shooting. Surveillance footage from the surrounding area showed a person of interest moving near campus before and after the incident.
Officers reviewed video, interviewed witnesses, and canvassed nearby neighborhoods. Residents were asked to share any relevant footage from private security cameras.
An individual was briefly detained during the early stages of the investigation but was later released after authorities determined he was not connected to the shooting.
Current Status of the Investigation
As of December 19, 2025:
- Investigators have identified a suspect and issued an arrest warrant.
- The suspect’s name has not been publicly released.
- No arrest has been announced.
- The search has expanded beyond Rhode Island.
- Federal and state agencies are working jointly on the case.
Authorities have stated that the investigation remains active and complex, and they continue to seek information from the public.
Potential Related Developments
Investigators are also examining whether the Brown University shooting may be connected to another fatal incident that occurred days later in Massachusetts involving a university professor.
While officials have not confirmed a direct link, they have acknowledged that similarities between the cases warranted further review. This has broadened the scope of the investigation and increased coordination among multiple law enforcement agencies.
No conclusions have been announced, and authorities have emphasized that all possibilities are being examined carefully.
Impact on the Brown University Community
The emotional toll of the shooting has been significant.
Students who were present during the incident have described lasting trauma, fear, and grief. Many returned home early, while others remained nearby to support friends and attend memorials.
Faculty members paused coursework and focused on student welfare. Alumni and community members offered messages of support, donations, and outreach.
Mental health professionals working with the university have emphasized that recovery will take time and that continued access to counseling and support is essential.
Vigils and Remembrance
Candlelight vigils have been held across campus and in nearby communities. These gatherings have brought together students, faculty, alumni, and residents to honor the Brown University victims.
Memorials featuring flowers, notes, and photographs have become places of reflection and solidarity. Speakers at vigils have focused on remembrance, unity, and the importance of supporting one another during grief.
Campus Safety Discussions
The shooting has reignited conversations about campus safety at Brown University and beyond.
Topics under review include:
- Building access policies
- Emergency alert systems
- Surveillance coverage
- Coordination between campus and city police
- Mental health intervention resources
University officials have stated that safety protocols will be evaluated thoroughly, though no immediate policy changes have been announced.
Challenges Facing the Investigation
Investigators have acknowledged several significant challenges that continue to shape the pace and complexity of the case. Many witnesses left campus shortly after the incident as the university encouraged students to return home for winter break. This dispersal has required investigators to conduct interviews across multiple states, slowing the process of gathering consistent firsthand accounts.
Limited interior surveillance footage from the building where the shooting occurred has also complicated efforts to reconstruct the suspect’s exact movements. While exterior cameras and nearby private footage have provided some assistance, gaps remain that investigators must fill through witness statements and forensic analysis.
The suspect’s decision to flee the scene on foot added another layer of difficulty. Without an immediately identifiable vehicle or clear escape route, tracking efforts have relied heavily on time-sensitive video review and coordination between agencies. As the investigation expanded beyond Rhode Island, jurisdictional boundaries introduced additional logistical challenges, requiring cooperation among local police departments, state authorities, and federal agencies.
Despite these obstacles, authorities have reiterated their commitment to pursuing every credible lead. Investigators continue to analyze evidence, follow up on tips, and coordinate across jurisdictions with the stated goal of bringing accountability for the Brown University victims and providing answers to a community still waiting for closure.rsuing justice for the Brown University victims and their families.
Where Things Stand Now
As of today, the situation surrounding the Brown University shooting remains active and unresolved. Two students remain deceased, and their loss continues to weigh heavily on the campus community. Nine students were injured in the attack, with several already released from medical care while others continue recovery under ongoing medical supervision. University officials have confirmed that support services remain available for all affected students, regardless of their current location.
The suspect connected to the shooting has not been publicly apprehended. Law enforcement agencies have identified a suspect and issued an arrest warrant, but no arrest has been announced. The investigation spans multiple jurisdictions and continues to involve coordinated efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. Authorities have emphasized that the case remains a top priority and that updates will be shared once confirmed developments occur.
Within the Brown University community, grief and healing continue side by side. Memorials remain in place, counseling resources are still expanded, and academic flexibility continues as students process the trauma. Faculty and staff have focused on stability and care while longer-term safety reviews move forward behind the scenes.
The focus remains firmly on accountability, recovery, and ensuring long-term safety for students and staff. While unanswered questions persist, the community has shown resilience and unity as it navigates the path forward, committed to remembrance, justice, and meaningful change.f.
A Community Moving Forward
The loss of life at Brown University has left a lasting mark on the campus, in Providence, and across the nation. The names of the Brown University victims are now tied to a moment that reshaped the lives of thousands, prompting not just grief but deep reflection on safety, community, and collective responsibility. What began as a routine afternoon of study transformed into one of the most painful chapters in recent campus history, and that impact continues to be felt in dorm rooms, classrooms, winter break gatherings, and family homes across the United States.
In the days since the shooting, students have returned home or stayed nearby to support one another, while many have used the winter break to reflect and heal. Vigils and memorial gatherings remain places for classmates and community members to remember those lost and to honor the courage of survivors. Faculty and staff have worked to provide stability, adjusting academic expectations and expanding access to counseling and wellness services. Conversations about mental health, community care, and safety planning have grown more open, with student leadership playing a central role in shaping how the university responds.
As the investigation continues, with a suspect identified and an arrest warrant issued, families of the victims and survivors await clarity and accountability. The careful, multi-jurisdiction pursuit of justice underscores the complexity of the case, but also the shared determination among law enforcement, university officials, and affected families that those responsible be brought to account.
Despite ongoing uncertainty, students, families, and educators are united by remembrance and resilience. They have held one another up in moments of sorrow, shared stories that celebrate the lives of the Brown University victims, and advocated for meaningful changes that could help protect other campuses. The hope remains that justice will be served, that lessons learned will foster stronger safety measures and support systems, and that the strength of the community’s response will stand as a testament to perseverance in the face of tragedy.
As updates continue to emerge, readers are encouraged to stay informed and share their thoughts as the Brown University community moves forward together.
