Brown University Shooting Leaves Two Students Dead, Nine Injured

Providence, R.I. — Two students were killed and nine others injured in a shooting at Brown University on the afternoon of December 13, 2025, prompting a large-scale law enforcement response and an ongoing search for the suspect, authorities said.

The shooting occurred shortly after 4 p.m. inside the Barus and Holley Engineering Building, where final examinations were underway. As of December 16, no suspect has been taken into custody.

Incident Overview

Police said the shooting began around 4:05 p.m. in Room 166, a first-floor classroom in the Barus and Holley Building. The room was hosting a review session for an introductory economics final exam led by a teaching assistant. The professor was not present at the time.

Investigators described the suspect as a male, possibly in his 20s or 30s, wearing black clothing and possibly a camouflage-style mask. Authorities said the individual fired multiple rounds from a handgun before fleeing the building through an exit on Hope Street. Shell casings were recovered at the scene.

Brown University issued an emergency alert at 4:22 p.m. warning of an active shooter near the engineering building. The campus was placed under lockdown as law enforcement searched the area. More than 400 officers from local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, responded.

Victims and Medical Status

Brown University officials confirmed that the two people killed were enrolled students.

The deceased were identified as Ella Cook, a sophomore from Alabama, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, an 18-year-old student who had recently immigrated to the United States from Uzbekistan.

Nine individuals were injured in the shooting, at least six of whom were students. All were transported to Rhode Island Hospital. As of December 14, hospital officials reported one patient in critical condition, six in critical but stable condition, two in stable condition, and one discharged.

Investigation

Authorities detained a person of interest, Benjamin Erickson, 24, of Wisconsin, at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, approximately 20 miles from the university. He was released without charges after investigators determined that ballistics evidence did not link him to the shooting.

The FBI and state and local police have executed search warrants at multiple locations in Rhode Island and another state. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and have requested that residents submit video from doorbell and security cameras recorded around the time of the shooting. A reward has been offered for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.

University and Public Response

Brown University canceled all remaining classes and final examinations for the fall semester. University President Christina Paxson said in a statement that all known victims were students and that the university would provide support services to those affected.

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee urged the public to remain alert while the investigation continues. President Donald Trump issued a statement offering condolences to the victims’ families and expressing support for the injured.

Several universities and organizations issued statements expressing concern and solidarity with the Brown community. As of December 16, the suspect remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing.