Brown University Manhunt Enters Day 5: FBI Releases "Enhanced" Footage of Suspect
The intensive search for the gunman who opened fire at Brown University has entered its fifth day, with federal and local authorities doubling down on their efforts to identify the individual responsible for the tragic shooting that left two students dead and nine others wounded. In a mid-week update, investigators released what they described as "enhanced" surveillance footage, hoping a clearer look at the suspect's movements would trigger a breakthrough in the case.
The FBI has officially announced a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the perpetrator.
"Casing the Scene": What the New Surveillance Reveals
Providence Police Chief Col. Oscar Perez revealed on Wednesday that the suspect appeared to have been in the College Hill neighborhood hours before the first shots were fired. Newly analyzed video shows a person of interest — described as approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a stocky build — walking near the Barus & Holley engineering building as early as 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 13.
"We believe he was actually casing the area to commit this crime," Perez stated during a press briefing. The individual was seen wearing dark clothing, a black beanie, and a face covering that obscured his features. Authorities are asking residents to review private security footage, including Tesla "Sentry Mode" clips, from the past week to see if the same individual had been scouting the campus earlier.
A Community in Mourning: Remembering the Victims
The Ivy League campus remains in a state of shock as more details emerge about the lives cut short during the final exam period. The two students killed have been identified as:
- Ella Cook, 19, is a sophomore from Alabama and vice president of the Brown College Republicans. Friends and mentors remembered her for her "bold, brave, and kind heart."
- Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, a freshman from Uzbekistan. Umurzokov, a biochemistry major with dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, was reportedly helping a friend at a study session when the attack began.
Among the nine injured, one student has been discharged, while others remain in critical but stable condition. University President Christina Paxson has canceled all remaining classes and exams for the fall semester, noting that the university will conduct a "large-scale systematic security review" of the entire campus.
Investigation Challenges and Public Tips
The investigation has faced hurdles, including the fact that the shooting took place in an older section of the engineering building where surveillance coverage was limited. Furthermore, a "person of interest" detained earlier this week at a hotel in Coventry was released after forensic evidence, including ballistics, failed to link him to the crime.
"We have a murderer out there," said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha. "We are asking for the public's assistance in identifying a moment that is shorter than someone taking a breath."
As of Wednesday evening, police have received approximately 200 actionable tips. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the official tip line immediately as the hunt for the masked gunman continues.
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